Description
This Healthy Eggplant Rollatini is a lighter, vegetarian version of the classic Italian dish. Thinly sliced roasted eggplant is filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, rolled up, and baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella. It’s a delicious, low-carb dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and lightly sautéed
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes with basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Eggplant: Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until tender and pliable.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together ricotta, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, egg, garlic, and oregano until fully combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place 1–2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach filling at the base of each eggplant slice and roll up tightly. Arrange the rolls seam side down in the dish.
- Bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Lower Fat Option: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese to reduce the fat content while still keeping it creamy.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a spicy kick.
Additional Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the ricotta and mozzarella to make this recipe vegan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
