Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring rolled eggplant filled with a creamy cheese mixture, baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices in batches and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Take one eggplant slice, place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture at one end, and roll it up. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and cheese mixture.
- Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg