Savory Eggplant Rollatini with Cheesy Ricotta Filling
This Savory Eggplant Rollatini with Cheesy Ricotta Filling is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. Featuring layers of tender roasted eggplant filled with a creamy and flavorful ricotta-basil mixture, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a shareable appetizer for gatherings. Paired with a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, it's both delicious and satisfying. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this recipe brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 lbs (Cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices)
Salt
to taste
Ground Pepper
to taste
Marinara Sauce
1 cup
Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup
Large Egg
1
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced)
Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices and season them with salt and pepper. Place them in a shallow microwave-safe dish with a lid.
2
Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes until the eggplant is tender and pliable but not fully cooked. Carefully remove from the microwave and allow them to cool slightly.
3
Transfer the microwaved eggplant slices to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to absorb excess moisture.
4
Blot the microwave-safe dish dry and spread 1/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom, then set it aside.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, large egg, minced garlic, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Mix until well blended.
6
Take a heaping spoonful of the ricotta mixture and place it at the wide end of each eggplant slice. Roll the slice up tightly and place it seam-side down in a single layer in the prepared dish.
7
Once all the eggplant rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining 3/4 cup of marinara sauce over the top, ensuring they are well covered.
8
Cover the dish and microwave on high for an additional 15-17 minutes, until the eggplant is very tender.
9
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and microwave for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious eggplant rollatini!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
18g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Eggplant Rollatini?
Savory Eggplant Rollatini is a delightful Italian-style dish featuring tender roasted eggplant slices rolled around a creamy ricotta-basil filling, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
Is this eggplant rollatini recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses eggplant, cheese, and marinara sauce without any meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 170 calories per serving of this Savory Eggplant Rollatini.
How much protein is in the recipe?
This recipe contains 8g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this meal?
Each serving contains 8g of total fat.
How many carbohydrates does it have?
This dish contains 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the eggplant for rolling?
Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices and microwave them for 6-8 minutes until they are tender and pliable.
Why should I blot the eggplant after microwaving?
Blotting the eggplant with paper towels helps absorb excess moisture, preventing the final dish from becoming too watery.
What ingredients are in the ricotta filling?
The filling consists of part-skim ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, one large egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How much marinara sauce do I need?
You will need 1 cup of marinara sauce in total: 1/4 cup for the bottom of the dish and 3/4 cup to pour over the rolls.
How do I assemble the eggplant rolls?
Place a heaping spoonful of the ricotta mixture at the wide end of each eggplant slice, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
How long do the rolls cook in the microwave?
The assembled rolls cook on high for 15-17 minutes until the eggplant is very tender.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of microwaving until it is melted and bubbly.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the eggplant rollatini to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with 18g of carbohydrates, it is often categorized as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Absolutely, this dish works perfectly as either a cozy weeknight dinner or a shareable appetizer for gatherings.
How many pounds of eggplant are required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of eggplant.
What type of ricotta should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, one minced garlic clove is added to the ricotta filling for flavor.
What size should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be cut into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Does the recipe use any eggs?
Yes, one large egg is used as a binder in the cheesy ricotta filling.
What kind of mozzarella is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How long does the entire process take?
The entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in just under an hour.
Do I need an oven for this recipe?
No, this specific version is designed to be prepared entirely using a microwave.
Is there salt and pepper in the filling?
Yes, the filling includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I prevent the rolls from opening?
Placing the eggplant rolls seam-side down in the baking dish ensures they stay tightly closed during cooking.
Can I use full-fat cheese?
While the recipe specifies part-skim, you can substitute with full-fat ricotta and mozzarella if desired.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with eggplant, rollatini, italian, vegetarian, easy recipe, comfort food, cheesy, low-carb, and quick meal.
Is this dish suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for busy weeknights.