A vegetarian second course that will win you over with its rich and bold flavor! Eggplant rolls are easy to prepare and perfect for a light but tasty dinner. Here’s how to prepare them!
Ingredients:
🍆 2 eggplants (preferably long and firm)
🌶 Smoked paprika (a pinch for an intense and smoky flavor)
🧄 1 clove of garlic (finely chopped)
🧀 150 g of ricotta (or mozzarella for a more stringy version)
🌱 Fresh parsley (chopped, for flavoring)
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing and cooking)
🍞 Breadcrumbs (for crunchiness)
🍅 Tomato puree (optional, for a touch of freshness)
Method:
Prepare the aubergines:
Wash the aubergines and cut them into thin slices lengthwise (about 5 mm).
Place the aubergine slices in salt for 30 minutes to remove the bitterness. Then rinse them well and dry them with a clean cloth.
Grill the aubergines:
Heat a grill or a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil. Cook the aubergine slices on both sides, until they are soft and lightly browned. Let cool.
Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, mix the ricotta (or shredded mozzarella), chopped garlic, parsley, a pinch of smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste. If you want an even tastier filling, you can also add grated cheese.
Form the rolls:
Take a slice of aubergine and put some of the filling on top. Roll the slice on itself, forming a roll. Continue like this with all the slices of aubergine and the filling.
Baking:
Place the rolls on a baking tray lightly greased with oil. If you like, you can add a little tomato puree on the bottom to give freshness to the dish.
Sprinkle the rolls with a little breadcrumbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, until they become golden and crispy on the surface.
Serving:
Serve the aubergine rolls hot, perhaps accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of baked potatoes for a complete and tasty dish!
Tips:
Variations: If you want a richer filling, you can also add cooked ham or spinach for an extra touch.
A little trick: If you want an even more intense flavor, try cooking the rolls under the grill for the last 5 minutes, so you will get an even crispier crust!
