Mediterranean Eggplant Rolls (Involtini di Melanzane alla Mediterranea)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | 120g |
| Mozzarella | 100g |
| Tomato Sauce (Passata) | 200g |
| Taggiasca Olives | 15g |
| Fresh Basil | 4 leaves |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Begin by preparing the tomato sauce for your Mediterranean eggplant rolls. In a small saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, leaving it whole, to infuse the oil with flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the garlic cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then pour in the tomato sauce. Stir the mixture, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened and developed rich flavors, remove the garlic clove and set the sauce aside.
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Prepare the Eggplant
While the tomato sauce is simmering, rinse the eggplant thoroughly and dry it. Using a mandoline slicer, slice the eggplant into thin, even slices about 1 cm thick. Arrange the slices on a plate or cutting board to prepare for assembling the rolls. -
Assemble the Rolls
Take the mozzarella cheese and tear it into small pieces using your hands. This will create the perfect texture for stuffing the eggplant. Next, add a small amount of the shredded mozzarella to each slice of eggplant, followed by a teaspoon of chopped Taggiasca olives. Gently roll up each slice of eggplant, making sure the filling stays inside, and place the rolls in a baking dish. -
Top the Rolls
Pour a bit of the tomato sauce over the top of each eggplant roll, making sure they’re covered in the delicious, aromatic sauce. Add a few small pieces of mozzarella on top of the rolls for a creamy, melty finish. -
Bake the Mediterranean Eggplant Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender, and the cheese has melted and become bubbly. -
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fragrance. Serve the Mediterranean eggplant rolls warm as a flavorful appetizer or side dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
These Mediterranean eggplant rolls are a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer with minimal preparation. The combination of mozzarella, olives, and basil enhances the sweetness of the eggplant, making this dish an irresistible appetizer.
