Eggplant Rolls Filled with Basil and Cheese

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Eggplant Rolls Filled with Basil and Cheese, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's as comforting as it is elegant. Tender, grilled eggplant slices are rolled with a creamy, herbaceous filling of ricotta, parmesan, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic and lemon zest, then baked to perfection smothered in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory and fresh, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite. With straightforward preparation and a stunning presentation, these cheesy, herb-filled eggplant rolls make an excellent vegetarian main course or side dish, suited for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Don’t forget to garnish with extra basil for that finishing touch of brightness!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
• 15 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Slice the eggplants lengthways into 1/4-inch thick slices. You should have about 8-10 slices in total.

Step 2

Sprinkle both sides of the slices with salt and let them rest for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Brush the eggplant slices lightly with olive oil and season with black pepper.

Step 4

Heat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred. Set aside to cool.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil leaves, and lemon zest. Mix until well incorporated and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Take one eggplant slice and place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture at one end. Roll the slice around the filling to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining slices.

Step 8

Spread the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.

Step 9

Place the eggplant rolls seam-side down into the baking dish, nestling them close together.

Step 10

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the rolls.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh finish.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy your Eggplant Rolls Filled with Basil and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1569.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1410.2

Total Fat 99.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 232.0mg	0%
Sodium 3646.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.7g	0%
Total Sugars 33.5g
Protein 68.9g	0%

Vitamin D 9.0IU	0%
Calcium 1992.9mg	0%
Iron 4.5mg	0%
Potassium 2473.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.5%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 22.1%