Eggplant Rollatini Recipe – Italian Special

Eggplant Rollatini is a traditional Italian dish where thin slices of eggplant are grilled and rolled around a creamy ricotta and spinach filling. These rolls are then baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a comforting, flavorful meal that showcases the versatility of eggplant. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian dinner or as a side dish to complement your main course, Eggplant Rollatini brings the taste of Italy to your table.
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time45 min
- Total Time1 hr 15 min
- Cuisine
- Course
Eggplant Rollatini Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
- Salt, for sweating eggplant slices
- Olive oil, for brushing eggplant slices
- 500g ricotta cheese
- 200g spinach, fresh or frozen, chopped and drained
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500ml marinara sauce
- 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Prepare Eggplant:
Slice eggplant and sweat with salt for 20-30 mins.
Rinse, pat dry, brush with olive oil, grill until tender.
Make Filling:
Mix ricotta, spinach, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and egg.
Assemble:
Spread ricotta mixture on eggplant slices, roll up, place seam side down.
Sauce and Bake:
Pour marinara sauce over rolls, sprinkle with mozzarella.
Bake covered for 30 mins, uncover and bake 15 mins until browned.
Finish:
Garnish with basil leaves, serve hot.
Recipe Notes:
Sweating the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant slices and letting them sit for 20–30 minutes helps remove excess moisture and bitterness. Afterward, rinse and pat them dry before grilling.
Filling Variations: While this recipe uses ricotta and spinach, you can add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or artichokes to the filling for added flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the rollatini ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for a convenient meal.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.