Savory Ricotta-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls
Indulge in these delightful Savory Ricotta-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls, a gourmet classic that brings an authentic Italian touch to your dining table. These beautiful rolls are filled with a fluffy ricotta and spinach mixture and enveloped in a creamy besciamella sauce. While preparing this dish may take a bit of effort, it's well worth it for the delicious combination of flavors. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as an impressive dish for gatherings, this recipe can be easily adapted to fit dietary preferences, whether you're looking for a quick low-calorie meal or a satisfying vegetarian option. Make use of pre-prepared ingredients available at your local grocery store to save time and simplify the cooking process.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 (trimmed, peeled, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices)
Salt
about 1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for frying)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup (for besciamella and sautéing onion)
Flour
3 tablespoons (for roux)
Milk
1 1/4 cups (scalded)
Bay leaf
1/2 (optional for flavor)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Onion
1/4 cup (minced)
Lean ground beef
1/4 lb (for stuffing)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (for filling)
Spinach
1/2 cup (cooked, squeezed, and minced)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Cream
2 tablespoons (optional for stuffing)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the eggplants: After trimming and peeling them, cut the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them drain for about 60 minutes to remove any bitter juices. Once drained, rinse the slices thoroughly under cold water and gently pat dry with paper towels.
2
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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3. For the besciamella sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Incorporate the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about three minutes while stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the scalded milk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and optionally include a 1/2 bay leaf for additional flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove and discard the bay leaf.
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4. For the stuffing: In a small skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced onion until softened. Add in the lean ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until there’s no pink remaining. Mix in the ricotta cheese, cooked and squeezed spinach, 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. If desired, add cream for a creamier consistency (optional).
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5. For assembly: Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over moderate high heat. Working in batches, fry the eggplant slices for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re softened and golden brown. Transfer the cooked slices to paper towels to absorb excess oil. Once cool enough to handle, take each slice of eggplant, place about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta stuffing at the narrow edge, and roll it up. Arrange the filled rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
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6. Pour the prepared besciamella sauce over the eggplant rolls, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese.
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7. Bake in the upper third of the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly minced parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ricotta-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls?
They are a gourmet Italian-inspired dish featuring eggplant slices filled with a ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with besciamella sauce and baked until golden.
What type of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a creamy besciamella sauce made from a roux of butter and flour mixed with scalded milk.
How many servings does this eggplant recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How should the eggplants be prepared initially?
The eggplants should be trimmed, peeled, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Why is it necessary to salt the eggplant slices?
Salting the eggplant slices and letting them drain for 60 minutes helps remove any bitter juices.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How do you make the besciamella sauce?
Melt 1/4 cup butter, stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups of scalded milk until thick.
What seasonings are suggested for the besciamella?
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optionally a 1/2 bay leaf for extra flavor.
How long should the besciamella sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 5-10 minutes until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
What ingredients are in the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing consists of sautéed onion, lean ground beef, ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Is there meat in these eggplant rolls?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 lb of lean ground beef in the stuffing.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, the description notes it can be easily adapted to a satisfying vegetarian option by omitting the beef.
How should the spinach be prepared for the filling?
The spinach should be cooked, squeezed dry, and minced before being added to the ricotta mixture.
What kind of cheese is used besides ricotta?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used both in the stuffing and as a topping.
How do you cook the eggplant slices before rolling?
Fry the slices in vegetable oil for about 2 minutes on each side until they are softened and golden brown.
How much stuffing goes into each eggplant roll?
Place about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta stuffing at the narrow edge of each eggplant slice.
How should the rolls be arranged in the baking dish?
Place the filled rolls seam-side down in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
Where in the oven should the dish be baked?
The dish should be baked in the upper third of the preheated oven.
How long does the baking process take?
The eggplant rolls should bake for approximately 15 minutes.
What are the signs that the eggplant rolls are ready?
The rolls are done when they are lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Garnish the rolls with 2 tablespoons of freshly minced parsley before serving.
How can I make the stuffing even creamier?
You can optionally add 2 tablespoons of cream to the stuffing mixture.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this dish.
What spices are used for flavoring the stuffing?
The stuffing is flavored with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
How thick should the eggplant slices be cut?
The slices should be cut to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
What is the purpose of placing fried eggplant on paper towels?
The paper towels help absorb any excess vegetable oil from the frying process.
Can I use pre-prepared ingredients for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-prepared ingredients from the grocery store can help simplify the process and save time.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a classic gourmet Italian baked dish.
What amount of milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of scalded milk.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
The first step in assembly is heating vegetable oil in a large skillet to fry the eggplant slices.