Irresistible Eggplant Roll-Ups with Spicy Ricotta and Spinach Recipe

Eggplant roll-ups tantalize taste buds with their elegant Mediterranean charm and rustic appeal.

Delicate layers of tender, grilled eggplant embrace a creamy, zesty filling that sparks culinary excitement.

Soft ricotta cheese mingles with vibrant spinach, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Herbs and spices dance through each bite, promising a sophisticated yet comforting experience.

Imagine a dish that balances richness with brightness, challenging traditional appetizer expectations.

These compact rolls offer a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence, making them irresistible for passionate food lovers.

You can find yourself captivated by their simple yet impressive presentation, eager to dive into this delightful culinary creation.

Questions About Making Eggplant Roll-Ups

• How do I prevent my eggplant from being too watery?

After baking the eggplant slices, let them cool completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure your roll-ups aren’t soggy.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and ensure your tomato paste is dairy-free. The core recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.

• How long can I store these eggplant roll-ups?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for best texture, as microwaving might make them soggy.

• What can I serve as a side dish with these roll-ups?

A fresh green salad, crusty bread, or quinoa work perfectly. They complement the rich, spicy flavors of the eggplant roll-ups and provide a balanced meal.

Spicy Eggplant Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Spinach

• The combination of spicy ricotta, tender eggplant, and rich tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
• This recipe transforms complex Italian-inspired ingredients into an easy-to-make dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, making you feel like a professional chef.
• Packed with vitamins from spinach, protein from ricotta, and the goodness of vegetables, these roll-ups offer a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and healthy without sacrificing incredible flavor.
• With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Eggplant Roll-Ups

Main Ingredients:

Eggplant: Tender and mild vegetable that serves as the base for the roll-ups, with a soft texture perfect for rolling. Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes.

Spinach: Fresh and nutritious green with a delicate flavor that adds depth to the filling. Select crisp, dark green leaves without wilting.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that creates a smooth, rich filling for the roll-ups. Look for fresh, high-quality ricotta with a soft consistency.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Canned chopped tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for better flavor.

Shallot and Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavor foundation for the tomato sauce. Choose fresh, firm shallots and plump garlic cloves.

Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add depth and heat to the sauce. Fresh oregano offers more intense flavor than dried.

Cheese and Finishing Ingredients:

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances the filling’s flavor. Select freshly grated parmesan for best results.

Mozzarella: Soft, melty cheese that creates a golden top layer. Fresh mozzarella provides the best stretch and flavor.

Nutmeg: Warm, subtle spice that complements the ricotta filling. Use freshly grated nutmeg for maximum aroma.

Instructions for Stuffed and Baked Eggplant

Step 1: Roast the Eggplant Slices

• Warm the oven to 350°F (180°C)
• Remove eggplant stems
• Slice eggplants into quarter-inch thick rounds
• Arrange slices on a lined baking sheet
• Drizzle olive oil generously over each slice
• Bake for 20 minutes until tender and slightly golden
• Let cool completely on the baking tray

Step 2: Wilt the Leafy Greens

• Heat a skillet over medium flame
• Pour a splash of olive oil
• Add fresh spinach leaves
• Stir gently until completely wilted
• Remove from heat
• Allow to cool and drain excess liquid

Step 3: Craft the Zesty Tomato Base

• Use the same skillet
• Drizzle olive oil
• Sauté finely chopped shallots and garlic
• Pour in crushed tomatoes
• Add water to rinse tomato can
• Stir in
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Simmer sauce for 15 minutes until thickened

Step 4: Create the Creamy Filling

• Finely chop cooled spinach
• Mix in a bowl
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated parmesan
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper
• Blend until smooth and well combined

Step 5: Roll and Assemble

• Spread a generous spoonful of ricotta mixture on each eggplant slice
• Carefully roll up each slice
• Place rolled slices seam-side down

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Spread three-quarters of tomato sauce in baking dish
• Arrange eggplant rolls
• Top with remaining sauce
• Tear fresh mozzarella
• Scatter cheese over rolls
• Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes
• Remove when cheese is golden and bubbly

Enjoy your delectable eggplant spirals!

Pro Tips for Handling Eggplant and Filling

• Slice Precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut eggplant slices evenly at exactly ¼ inch thickness for consistent cooking and perfect roll-ups.
• Remove Moisture Strategically: Thoroughly squeeze spinach to eliminate excess water, ensuring a creamy and not watery ricotta filling.
• Layer Sauce Carefully: Spread tomato sauce generously on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent eggplant from sticking and add extra flavor.
• Roll Technique Matters: Gently but firmly roll eggplant slices to keep filling intact, using a consistent amount of ricotta mixture for uniform presentation.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow mozzarella to brown slightly during final baking for a delicious golden crust and enhanced flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating for Roll-Ups Without Sog

• Refrigerate: Store leftover eggplant roll-ups in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Carefully place roll-ups in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Properly sealed, they will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Avoid storing with extra sauce to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts beautifully.

What Goes Well with Eggplant Rolls

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, spicy tomato sauce and cuts through the creamy ricotta.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side dish by toasting rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Prepare a light salad with crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty eggplant roll-ups and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich, cheesy eggplant rolls, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Stuffing and Sauce Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Zucchini Swap: Replace eggplant with thin zucchini slices, keeping the same spicy ricotta and spinach filling for a lighter, summer-friendly version.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Edition: Incorporate shredded cooked chicken into the ricotta mixture, adding extra protein and creating a heartier meal option.
• Vegan Cashew Cream Alternative: Substitute ricotta with blended cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and roasted red peppers for a plant-based rendition that maintains rich, creamy textures.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Enhance the filling by adding fresh chopped basil, mint, and sun-dried tomatoes to introduce more vibrant Mediterranean flavors and complexity to the original recipe.

Eggplant Roll-Ups With Spicy Ricotta And Spinach Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Italian Eggplant Roll-Ups dance with creamy ricotta and zesty spinach, creating a Mediterranean masterpiece. Delicate layers of grilled eggplant embrace a spicy filling that will transport you straight to a charming Italian kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants (aubergines)
• 8.5 oz (250g) fresh spinach
• 8.5 oz (240g) ricotta cheese
• 1 ball mozzarella cheese
• 15 oz (400g) canned chopped tomatoes

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 shallot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
• ½ tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Meticulously slice eggplants into uniform quarter-inch thick planks, ensuring even cooking potential.
2. Position eggplant slices on a lined baking tray, generously brushing with olive oil. Roast for approximately 20 minutes until the vegetable becomes tender and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool completely.
3. Transform spinach into a delicate wilted state by sautéing in a skillet with minimal olive oil. Once completely softened, remove from heat and drain excess moisture thoroughly.
4. Craft a vibrant tomato sauce by sautéing finely minced shallots and garlic. Incorporate chopped tomatoes, introducing water to capture residual tomato essence. Enhance with tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season judiciously and simmer until sauce achieves a rich, concentrated consistency.
5. Prepare the filling by finely chopping the drained spinach. Blend ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Construct roll-ups by spreading a generous spoonful of ricotta mixture onto each eggplant slice, carefully rolling into compact parcels.
7. Create a foundational layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Nestle eggplant rolls atop the sauce, drizzling remaining sauce over the top. Artfully scatter torn mozzarella across the surface.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until mozzarella transforms into a golden, bubbling crown and the entire dish radiates warmth and appetizing aromas.

Notes

• Slice eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent roll-up size.
• Pat eggplant slices dry before brushing with olive oil to prevent soggy texture and promote better roasting.
• Squeeze spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing watery filling and maintaining rich ricotta consistency.
• Use fresh herbs and high-quality parmesan for enhanced flavor depth and authentic Italian taste.
• Allow roll-ups to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier.
• Serve with crusty bread or simple green salad to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg