Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice eggplant into 1/4" planks. Salt and rest for 15 mins.
- Pat dry eggplant and brush with oil. Roast for 10-12 mins until soft. Lower oven to 375°F.
- Mix ricotta, spinach, garlic, parmesan, and egg in a bowl. Season with salt/pepper.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara in a baking dish.
- Roll 1.5 tbsp of filling into each eggplant slice. Place in dish seam-side down.
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake for 25 mins until bubbly. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- Eggplant Selection: Use medium-to-large Globe or Italian eggplants. They have the widest surface area, which makes rolling much easier than thinner varieties.
- Moisture Control: Do not skip the salting and resting phase. This prevents the eggplant from absorbing too much oil and keeps the final bake from becoming watery.
- Slicing Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform 1/4-inch planks. If slicing by hand, ensure they are even so they roast and roll consistently.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the ricotta filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the garlic and herb flavors intensify.
- Serving Size: A standard serving is 2 to 3 rolls, depending on the size of the eggplant.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the texture of the cheese.
