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Delicious Italian Eggplant Rolls

Featured in Meatless meals that satisfy.

Italian-style eggplant rolls, or involtini, are a lovely way to elevate basic eggplants into something special. This dish features thin, grilled eggplant slices, softened to perfection, and filled with a smooth blend of parmesan, ricotta, and fresh basil. Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the flavor, while the homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs adds irresistible depth. These satisfying rolls are a perfect mix of fresh and hearty, great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:50:02 GMT
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Stuffed Eggplant Rolls | Tasteofsavor.com

Eggplant involtini represents Italian cuisine at its finest. These delicate rolls of grilled eggplant filled with creamy ricotta and bathed in aromatic tomato sauce capture the sunny flavors of Sicily. This treasured family recipe has become a signature dish that never fails to impress guests.

The appreciative silence that follows the first bite tells you everything you need to know about this dish.

Essential Ingredients and Tips

  • Eggplants (2 large) - Choose firm, glossy ones of medium size for ideal slices. Fresh market eggplants tend to be sweeter and less bitter
  • Ricotta (250g) - Use artisanal creamy ricotta or make your own. Drain overnight in cheesecloth for better texture
  • Parmesan (75g) - Aged Parmigiano Reggiano provides complex crystalline notes. Grate just before using
  • Fresh basil - Look for deep green, fragrant leaves. Home-grown is ideal for maximum freshness

Quality ingredients elevate this simple dish into a memorable culinary experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Eggplant
Slice eggplant uniformly using a mandoline set to 5mm thickness. Modern eggplants rarely need salting, but if desired, layer with coarse salt for 30 minutes.
2. Perfect Grilling
Preheat oven thoroughly to 200°C. Brush each slice generously with extra virgin olive oil - this step is crucial.
3. Ricotta Filling
Crumble ricotta finely to remove lumps. Gradually incorporate grated parmesan while whisking until airy. Add lemon zest and basil last to preserve freshness.
4. Rolling Technique
Place filling on the wider end of each eggplant slice, then roll carefully with steady pressure. Slightly dampened fingers help with rolling.

San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for the sauce, their dense flesh and low acidity perfectly complement the dish.

Perfecting the Sauce

The tomato sauce should be smooth but not too thick. Slow-simmer with a whole basil sprig, removing it before serving.

Texture Balance

Success lies in the contrast between tender eggplant, creamy filling, and velvety sauce.

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Italian stuffed eggplant rolls | Tasteofsavor.com

Flavor Harmony

Grilled eggplant paired with seasoned ricotta creates a perfect balance where each ingredient shines.

Years of experience have shown that attention to detail makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

This dish embodies authentic Italian cooking - simple ingredients transformed through precise technique and care. Each preparation honors traditional methods passed down through generations.

Closing Notes

Eggplant involtini celebrates Italian culinary tradition. This dish reminds us that great cooking requires time, patience, and respect for ingredients. Every bite tells a story of heritage and sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the eggplant rolls ahead of time?
Yep, you can prep everything up to a day in advance and finish assembling before baking when ready.
→ How can I avoid bitter eggplant in this recipe?
Go for eggplants that are glossy and firm to the touch, and don’t overcook them so they stay tender without bitterness.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
→ What sauce works best for this dish?
The tomato sauce from this recipe is ideal, but a drizzle of olive oil at the table can also add a nice touch.
→ How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or use finely ground almonds instead.

Stuffed Eggplant Rolls

Tender grilled slices of eggplant rolled with a creamy filling of ricotta and parmesan, all smothered in a rich tomato basil sauce.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Eggplant

01 2 large eggplants (weighing 500-750g each)
02 5 tablespoons olive oil
03 Salt and black pepper

→ Ricotta Filling

04 1 cup ricotta
05 ½ cup breadcrumbs
06 ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 ¼ cup minced fresh basil leaves
09 ½ teaspoon lemon zest

→ Tomato Sauce

10 1 can diced tomatoes (800g)
11 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 3 minced garlic cloves
13 1 pinch of red chili flakes
14 ½ cup finely chopped fresh basil
15 ¼ teaspoon oregano

→ Finishing Touch

16 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
17 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 200°C. Peel the eggplants and slice them lengthwise into 6 pieces, about 1.25 cm thick. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper on both sides. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Allow them to cool a bit afterward.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.

Step 03

Warm up olive oil in an oven-safe pan. Toss in the garlic, chili flakes, oregano, and a little salt. Let it cook for about 30 seconds. Then add the canned tomatoes and simmer for 12-15 minutes until it thickens up. Finally, mix in the fresh basil.

Step 04

Spoon 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling onto each eggplant slice. Roll them up and place them seam-side down into the pan with the tomato sauce.

Step 05

Simmer the pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Then, grill the dish in the oven for 5 more minutes until it’s warmed through and golden on top. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil just before serving.

Notes

  1. You can assemble this dish ahead of time and cook it later, starting from the final cooking step.
  2. For a healthier alternative, try using low-fat ricotta.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Vegetable peeler

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products (ricotta, Parmesan)
  • Gluten (breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 14 g