Breezy Eggplant Roll-Ups: Fiery Ricotta Spinach Recipe

Sizzling plates of golden eggplant roll-ups with spicy ricotta will make your taste buds dance with delight.

These Mediterranean-inspired bundles pack a punch of flavor and elegance.

Slicing tender eggplant into delicate ribbons creates the perfect canvas for a zesty ricotta and spinach filling.

Each roll promises a harmony of textures and spices that transport you straight to a sunny Italian kitchen.

Layers of creamy cheese and vibrant greens nestle between roasted eggplant slices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

The combination of rich ricotta and earthy spinach delivers a mouthwatering experience that transforms a simple vegetable into a gourmet sensation.

Dive into this recipe and let your culinary creativity shine with every delectable bite.

What Goes Into Eggplant Roll-Ups

• Eggplant: Creamy, tender base that provides a delightful soft texture and absorbs flavors beautifully, choose firm and glossy eggplants without blemishes.
• Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that adds earthy richness and vibrant color, select fresh dark green leaves without wilting.

• Ricotta: Smooth, creamy cheese that creates a luscious filling, opt for fresh, high-quality ricotta for best taste.
• Parmesan: Sharp, aged cheese that adds robust depth and saltiness, choose authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic flavor.
• Mozzarella: Soft, melty cheese that provides gooey golden topping, select fresh ball mozzarella for maximum stretch and flavor.
• Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spice that enhances cheese mixture with subtle complexity, use freshly grated for most intense flavor.

• Canned Chopped Tomatoes: Tangy base for rich sauce, select high-quality whole peeled tomatoes for best texture.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor enhancer that deepens sauce's richness, choose organic varieties for pure taste.
• Shallot: Delicate onion providing subtle sweetness, pick firm and compact shallots.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that builds foundational flavor, select firm, plump cloves without sprouts.
• Oregano: Herbaceous Mediterranean seasoning adding earthy notes, use dried or fresh depending on availability.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Fiery spice delivering subtle heat, adjust quantity based on heat preference.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity.

Tools for Rolling Eggplant with Ricotta and Spinach

• Baking Tray: Lined with parchment paper for roasting eggplant slices.
• Large Frying Pan: Used for cooking spinach and preparing tomato sauce.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ricotta filling ingredients.
• Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the eggplant roll-ups.
• Knife: For slicing eggplant and chopping spinach and shallots.
• Cutting Board: Surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring sauce and mixing filling.

Bake and Fill These Savory Eggplant Wraps

• Eggplant Preparation

Slice eggplants into thin rounds. Brush with olive oil and roast in the oven until soft and slightly golden. Let the eggplant cool down completely before rolling.

• Spinach Mixture

Wilt spinach in a hot pan, then drain excess liquid. Chop finely and mix with creamy ricotta, grated parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

• Tomato Base

Create a rich sauce by sautéing shallots and garlic. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, robust flavors.

• Rolling and Arranging

Spread a generous dollop of the spinach-ricotta mixture onto each eggplant slice. Carefully roll up each piece and place them in a baking dish lined with tomato sauce.

• Final Touches

Cover the rolled eggplants with remaining tomato sauce. Tear fresh mozzarella and sprinkle over the top. Bake until cheese melts and gets bubbly with golden edges.

Flavor Adjustments: Spice, Garlic, or Cheese

• Eggplant Slice Perfection: Use a sharp mandoline or chef's knife to create uniform, thin eggplant slices that will roll easily and cook evenly without falling apart.
• Moisture Management Magic: Pat eggplant slices with paper towels before baking to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp edges and preventing soggy roll-ups during cooking.
• Herb Heaven Hack: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley in the ricotta mixture to add unexpected depth and brightness to the classic flavor profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this vegetarian dish into a heartier meal by adding cooked ground turkey, crumbled Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the ricotta filling.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire dish up to the final baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serve These as an Appetizer or Light Meal

• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh mozzarella on top right before serving to create a gorgeous cheesy crust that melts beautifully.
• Mediterranean Mezze Mate: Serve alongside warm pita bread, Greek olives, and a crisp cucumber salad to complement the rich flavors of the eggplant rolls.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio that balances the spicy and creamy elements of the recipe.

How to Store Leftovers for Another Night

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store completed eggplant roll-ups in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them covered to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. These delicious bites can stay frozen for approximately 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm roll-ups in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 12-15 minutes. This method helps retain the original texture and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery or separating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components in advance by cooking eggplant slices, making tomato sauce, and preparing ricotta filling separately. Store each element in separate containers, allowing quick assembly when ready to enjoy the dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 299 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Eggplant Roll-Ups with Spicy Ricotta and Spinach

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sumptuous Italian Classic Eggplant Roll-ups with Spicy Ricotta and Spinach blend Mediterranean flavors into a delightful appetizer or main course. Crisp grilled eggplant wraps around zesty ricotta and fresh spinach, promising a satisfying culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 3 tbsps olive oil, divided
• 1 shallot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan
• ½ tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp oregano
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice eggplants into quarter-inch thick planks, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent roasting.
2. Roasting: Arrange eggplant slices on a lined baking tray, brush with olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes until tender and caramelized, then cool completely.
3. Sauce Creation: Sauté shallots and garlic, add chopped tomatoes with water, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor profile.
4. Filling Development: Wilt spinach in a skillet, drain excess moisture. Mix ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper with chopped spinach, creating a creamy, well-integrated filling.
5. Assembly: Spread ricotta mixture onto each eggplant slice, carefully roll into compact parcels. Layer tomato sauce in baking dish, place eggplant rolls on top, drizzle additional sauce, and scatter torn mozzarella across the surface.
6. Final Baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes until mozzarella melts into a golden, bubbling crown and the dish radiates appetizing warmth and depth of flavor.

Notes

• Slice Uniformly: Cut eggplant planks precisely at quarter-inch thickness to guarantee even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Drain Spinach Completely: Remove all excess moisture from wilted spinach to prevent watery filling and maintain the roll-ups’ structural integrity.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning at each cooking stage, building layers of flavor in tomato sauce and ricotta mixture for depth and balance.
• Temperature Control: Watch eggplant and final dish closely during baking to avoid burning, ensuring golden-brown edges and perfectly melted cheese.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 299
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg