🍆🧀 Baked Eggplant Roll-Ups with Ricotta & Tomato Sauce 🍅🌿
✨ Description:
Tender slices of roasted eggplant are filled with a creamy, herbed ricotta mixture, then rolled up and nestled in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Baked until bubbling and golden, these roll-ups are a comforting vegetarian dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
🛒 Ingredients:
For Baked Eggplant Slices:
- 2 large globe eggplants (1 to 1.5 lbs each)
- 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (homemade or full-fat)
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
For Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh basil, loosely packed and chopped
As Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, shredded
🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice eggplants lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Brush both sides with 3 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
- Let cool slightly for handling.
2. Make the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- Ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Taste and season with a little salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place 1–2 tbsp of ricotta mixture onto the wider end of each eggplant slice.
- Roll up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Spoon more tomato sauce over the roll-ups.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Top with fresh chopped basil and a final sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes 4 servings
(2–3 roll-ups per person depending on eggplant size)
🔥 Tips & Notes:
- Eggplant Prep Tip: If your eggplant is bitter, sprinkle slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes, then pat dry before roasting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can roast the eggplant and prepare the ricotta filling a day in advance.
- Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
- Cheese Swap: Goat cheese or cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a different twist.
- Sauce Shortcut: You can use good-quality store-bought marinara to save time.
🧠 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 6g
- Calcium: ~25% DV
- Vitamin A/C: ~15% DV
(Values vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes)
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Eggplant: Rich in antioxidants like nasunin; supports brain and heart health.
- Ricotta: High in calcium and protein.
- Tomatoes: Excellent source of lycopene; anti-inflammatory and heart-friendly.
- Basil: Contains essential oils with antibacterial properties.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
❓Q&A:
Q: Can I freeze the eggplant roll-ups?
A: Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Totally! Swap ricotta with a vegan cashew cheese or tofu ricotta, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q: What to serve with it?
A: Crusty bread, arugula salad, or a side of roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
Q: Can I grill the eggplant instead of roasting?
A: Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor — just brush with oil and grill each side for 2–3 minutes.
Let me know if you want a printable version or a fun infographic! 😊