Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls Recipe

I’ve just discovered the ultimate comfort food to up your dinner game: these cheesy, herby eggplant rolls are bursting with Mediterranean flavors and make for the coziest night-in dish ever.

Dishes with bold flavors are what I enjoy creating, and these Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls capture just that. I use large Sicilian eggplants and combine the richness of ricotta and Parmesan cheeses with the aromatics of garlic and onion.

Fresh basil and parsley really elevate the taste, and together they make a dish that’s easy to consider a meal.

Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls Recipe Ingredients

• Sicilian Eggplants: High in fiber and antioxidants.

  They add a subtle, earthy flavor.

• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats.

  Enhances flavor and texture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium.

  Creates creamy, savory filling.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick.

  Complements other flavors.

• Fresh Basil: Provides aromatic freshness.

  Brightens and enhances dish.

Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large Sicilian eggplants
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make this Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the eggplants. Grab the Sicilian eggplant and cut it lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Once it’s sliced up, salt it lightly; this will help pull some of the moisture out of the eggplant and make it less slippery. Let the eggplant slices sit for about 15 minutes. After the time is up, rinse off the salt and moisture, then dry the eggplant slices with paper towels.

2. Warm olive oil in a frying pan over a medium flame. Throw in the finely chopped onion and let it fry until it’s practically transparent; this should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and give that a minute or so to fry. Remove from the fire and set aside to cool.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, chopped basil, and the cooled onion and garlic mixture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Take a piece of eggplant and put approximately one tablespoon of the ricotta mixture at one end. Roll the piece up, keeping the filling inside. Secure the rolled slice if necessary. Repeat with the other pieces.

5. Spread a slim coating of marinara sauce across the base of a baking dish.

6. Place the eggplant rolls with the seam side down into the baking dish that has been prepared.

7. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the rolls so that all of them are covered.

8. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.

9. Enclose the dish in aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

10. Take off the foil, and put the dish back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Wait until the cheese has turned a bubbly, golden brown before pulling it out and serving. Let the dish cool for just a couple of minutes, then dig in!

Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Baking dish
5. Frying pan
6. Mixing bowl
7. Spoon
8. Measuring spoons
9. Aluminum foil
10. Paper towels

FAQ

• What is the best way to prepare the eggplants for this recipe?Cut the Sicilian eggplants in half lengthwise and then slice each half into pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Salt the pieces lightly and let them sit for about 20 minutes, until they have sweated out(i.e., released) any bitterness they might have swallowed. Rinse well, and then pat dry before using.
• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?Indeed, cottage cheese can take the place of ricotta, and for a texture even creamier than that afforded by ricotta, consider using mascarpone.
• Is it necessary to use both parsley and basil?Although both herbs impart individual flavors, using just one is also an option. Basil has an intense, sweet fragrance, but parsley’s is more low-key.
• What can I use instead of bread crumbs to make the recipe gluten-free?You can replace bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or ground almonds for a comparable texture.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?It is possible to put the eggplant rolls together a day before and put them into the refrigerator until ready to serve. The instructions given are for baking them immediately before serving.
• How do I ensure the eggplant rolls do not fall apart?Ensure that each slice of eggplant is thick enough to support the filling and avoid putting in too much stuffing. Use toothpicks to hold the rolls together if necessary.
• What is the best type of marinara sauce to use?Use a high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce, preferable one that complements the flavors of the eggplant and cheeses.

Stuffed Sicilian Eggplant Rolls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese, blended until smooth.
If you prefer sharper flavors, try using Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs to get a crunchier texture. Use them in place of regular bread crumbs. Either way, keep the “p” silent!
You can substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley in this recipe. Use 2 tablespoons of dried parsley in place of fresh parsley.
If necessary, swap fresh basil with 2 tablespoons of dried basil.

Pro Tips

1. Salting Eggplants After slicing the eggplants, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for at least 20-30 minutes. This not only helps remove excess moisture but also reduces any potential bitterness in the eggplants. Be sure to rinse and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure they don’t retain too much salt.

2. Enhance the Filling For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a hint of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture. This can add depth and a touch of freshness to the filling.

3. Toast the Breadcrumbs Lightly toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan before mixing them into the ricotta mixture. This will add a bit of crunch and a toasty flavor to your filling.

4. Herb Infusion If you have time, infuse the olive oil with additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the onion and garlic sautéing process. This can add a subtle aromatic dimension to your dish.

5. Final Broil After baking, take the dish out and set the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This will give the mozzarella a more robust, bubbly, golden crust, adding texture to the finished dish. Be sure to keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.