How to Prepare a Classic Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a classic Italian dish that combines tender slices of eggplant with a creamy, cheesy filling. It’s delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or cook up a hearty dinner for your family, this recipe is sure to win hearts. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to prepare a classic Eggplant Rollatini using simple steps and ingredients. Let’s get cooking!

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What Is Eggplant Rollatini?

Eggplant Rollatini, or “Involtini di Melanzane” in Italian, is a dish made by rolling thin slices of eggplant around a cheesy filling, then baking them in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish that shines on its own or can be served with a side salad or bread. The blend of flavors — creamy cheese, savory eggplant, and tangy tomato sauce — makes this dish the ultimate comfort food!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare Eggplant Rollatini, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Eggplant:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• Salt (to reduce bitterness)
• Olive oil (for roasting or frying)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (use whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for topping

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process.

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Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants

Eggplant is the star of Rollatini, so the first step is making sure the slices are perfectly cooked.

1. Slice the Eggplants: Cut the eggplants lengthwise into thin slices (about ¼-inch thick). You want slices that are easy to roll.
2. Salt the Eggplants: Lay the slices flat and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes. This helps reduce bitterness and draw out excess moisture.
3. Rinse and Dry: After salting, rinse the slices with water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Cook the Eggplants: You can either bake or pan-fry the slices. To bake, brush both sides with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until soft and pliable. To pan-fry, heat olive oil in a skillet and cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

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Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

While the eggplants are cooling, it’s time to prepare the cheesy filling that will go inside the rolls.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, an egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Well: Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This filling will be the key to the Rollatini’s rich taste.

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Step 3: Assemble the Eggplant Rolls

Now comes the fun part – assembling the rolls!

1. Lay Out the Eggplant Slices: Place a slice of cooked eggplant on a clean surface.
2. Add Filling: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the wider end of the slice.
3. Roll It Up: Carefully roll the eggplant slice around the filling, starting from the wider end and rolling toward the narrow end. Repeat for all the slices.

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Step 4: Prepare the Dish

Once the rolls are ready, it’s time to layer them with sauce.

1. Spread Sauce: In a large baking dish, spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
2. Arrange Rolls: Place the eggplant rolls seam-side down in the dish, making sure they’re snugly packed.
3. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls. If you like extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top.

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Step 5: Bake the Rollatini

The final step is baking everything to perfection.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let Cool: Allow the Rollatini to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Eggplant Rollatini is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables or pasta

Garnish your Rollatini with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor and color.

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Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Eggplants: Use firm, fresh eggplants for the best taste and texture.
2. Don’t Skip Salting: Salting the eggplant slices is key to removing bitterness.
3. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, like spinach, roasted peppers, or Italian herbs.

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Final Thoughts

Eggplant Rollatini is a timeless dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With a combination of creamy cheese, tender eggplant, and flavorful tomato sauce, it’s hard not to fall in love with this recipe. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.

Next time you’re craving Italian cuisine, give this classic Eggplant Rollatini recipe a try. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the joy of homemade goodness. Enjoy cooking and buon appetito!