Delicious eggplant rolls filled with ricotta and spinach topped with marinara.

These eggplant rolls are a delightful combination of roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta, and spinach, all topped with marinara sauce. To make them, slice the eggplants, roast until tender, and fill with a ricotta-spinach mixture. Roll them up, bake with sauce, and enjoy the rich flavors. For a complete meal, serve the rolls with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad, tossed with a light vinaigrette. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully, enhancing the savory notes of the dish. This combination makes for a satisfying, comforting dinner perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Eggplant
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• For the Filling
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Eggplant
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
   • Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
   • Place the slices on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly golden. Let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling
   • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Take an eggplant slice, place a spoonful of the filling at one end, and roll it up tightly. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish.
   • Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and filling.
4. Add Sauce and Bake
   • Once all the rolls are in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
   • Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly.
5. Serve
   • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.