Baked Eggplant (Aubergine) Roll-A-Tini Recipe ๐๐ง
Overview:
Baked Eggplant Roll-A-Tini is a savory delight, originally discovered in a vintage Seventeen Magazine recipe, now perfected with a touch of garlic and extra oregano! This recipe offers a tantalizing medley of flavors, blending the rich taste of eggplant with creamy ricotta and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a European-inspired weeknight meal, this dish is ready in just over an hour, making it a quick and hearty option for any occasion. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, sure to delight your taste buds!
๐ Time Table:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes |
๐ฅ Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 eggplants
- 1 egg
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup oregano leaves
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
๐ Instructions:
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Preparation:
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Broiling the Eggplant:
- Preheat the broiler.
- In a pie plate, mix the egg and milk.
- Place bread crumbs on wax paper.
- Brush a jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet) with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Place half of the eggplant slices in the pan, arranging them in a single layer.
- Broil for 5-7 minutes until the slices are tender and lightly browned on both sides.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices using 1 tablespoon of oil each time.
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Preparing the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, sugar, pepper, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano leaves. Set aside.
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Assembly:
- Preheat the oven to 325ยฐF.
- Grate the Monterey jack cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with another 1/4 teaspoon of oregano leaves and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture in a 1/2″ wide strip onto each eggplant slice.
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Baking:
- Spoon some of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish.
- Place the rolled eggplant slices in the dish.
- Top with the remaining tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of grated cheese on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
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Serving:
- Once baked to perfection, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious layers of eggplant, creamy ricotta, and zesty tomato sauce!
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions:
- Baked Eggplant Roll-A-Tini makes a fantastic one-dish meal on its own.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious sauce.
- This dish also makes great leftovers, reheating beautifully for a tasty lunch the next day!
๐ Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices.
- For a lighter version, you can use part-skim ricotta cheese.
- To make it even heartier, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or mushrooms to the ricotta filling.
- Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly for consistent cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
With its layers of tender eggplant, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, Baked Eggplant Roll-A-Tini is a comforting and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Whether you’re a longtime fan of this classic recipe or trying it for the first time, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the taste of Italy right in your own kitchen with this delicious dish! ๐๐ฝ๏ธ
