Tender roasted eggplant wrapped around a creamy spinach and cheese filling, baked in a rich tomato basil sauce and topped with bubbling golden cheese for the ultimate comforting Italian-inspired delight.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange on baking sheets and roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and flexible. Allow to cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and evenly blended.
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place a spoonful of filling on one end of each eggplant slice and roll tightly. Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
Spoon the remaining sauce over the rolls. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Salt the eggplant slices before roasting and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Use whole milk ricotta for a richer filling.
Fresh basil adds incredible aroma and flavor.
Pair with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.
Use reduced-fat cheeses and add finely chopped zucchini to the filling for extra vegetables.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free ingredients.
Perfect as written and packed with wholesome vegetables and protein-rich cheese.