Savory Eggplant and Feta Roll-Ups with Basil
Discover the delightful combination of tender eggplant and creamy feta in these exquisite roll-ups, perfect for any gathering or as a stylish appetizer at your next dinner party. Marinated and pan-fried to golden perfection, these rolls burst with flavors, thanks to the fresh basil leaves that add an aromatic touch. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, these Eggplant and Feta Roll-Ups are sure to impress your guests. Ideal for entertaining, these elegant bites prove that stunning dishes can be made with just a handful of quality ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
2 (Cut lengthwise into thin slices)
Salt
to taste (For salting eggplant)
Olive oil
as needed (For pan-frying)
Basil leaves
12-15 (Shredded)
Feta cheese
100 g (Crumble)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cutting the eggplants lengthwise into thin slices, making sure they are uniform for even cooking.
2
2. Generously sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them rest in a colander for approximately 15 minutes. This process will help draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
3
3. After 15 minutes, thoroughly rinse the eggplant slices under cold running water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4
4. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant slices in batches and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and allow to cool.
5
5. Once the eggplant slices have cooled, lay them flat on a clean surface. Top each slice with a sprinkle of shredded basil and a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese.
6
6. Carefully roll each eggplant slice, starting from one end and securing the filling inside. Place the rolled-up slices seam-side down on a beautiful serving platter.
7
7. Serve these elegant rolls at room temperature, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Eggplant and Feta Roll-Ups?
They are an elegant appetizer consisting of thin, pan-fried eggplant slices wrapped around a filling of crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only eggplant, herbs, oil, and cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe naturally contains no gluten-bearing ingredients.
Why do I need to salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting draws out excess moisture and helps remove potential bitterness from the eggplant slices.
How long should I leave the salt on the eggplant?
Let the salted eggplant slices rest in a colander for approximately 15 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove the excess salt before drying.
What is the best way to slice the eggplant?
Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and roll easily.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is preferred for its aromatic flavor and texture, but dried basil can be used in smaller quantities if necessary.
What type of oil is best for pan-frying?
Olive oil is recommended as it complements the Mediterranean flavors of the eggplant and feta.
How long does it take to fry the eggplant slices?
Pan-fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they become golden brown.
Should I peel the eggplant first?
It is not necessary to peel the eggplant; the skin helps hold the roll-ups together and adds nutritional value.
Can I grill the eggplant instead of frying it?
Yes, grilling the eggplant slices is a great lower-fat alternative that adds a smoky flavor.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from opening?
Place the rolls seam-side down on the serving platter to keep them secured.
Can I make these roll-ups in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours ahead of time and keep them at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Should these be served hot or cold?
These roll-ups are best served at room temperature to allow the flavors of the feta and basil to shine.
What type of feta cheese should I use?
Any high-quality block feta that can be easily crumbled will work well for this recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Yes, you can experiment by adding minced garlic, pine nuts, or a dash of black pepper to the filling.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative or a tofu-based crumble.
How many eggplants do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 medium-sized eggplants.
Can I bake the eggplant slices instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can these be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as the eggplant can become mushy and the feta texture may change upon thawing.
Why is my eggplant soggy?
This usually happens if the eggplant wasn't dried properly after rinsing or if too much oil was used without draining on paper towels.
What can I serve these with?
They pair beautifully with a light balsamic glaze, a tomato dipping sauce, or as part of a larger mezze platter.
Do I need toothpicks to hold them together?
Toothpicks are usually not necessary if placed seam-side down, but they can be used for easier serving at parties.
How many roll-ups does this recipe make?
Depending on the size of the eggplants, you can expect to make approximately 12 to 16 roll-ups.
Can I use different herbs?
While basil is traditional, mint or parsley also pair very well with eggplant and feta.
Should the eggplant be hot when I add the cheese?
No, it is better to let the eggplant slices cool first so the cheese doesn't melt completely and the rolls keep their shape.
Is this a keto-friendly recipe?
Yes, this recipe is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
How should I garnish the final dish?
Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil.