Eggplant Capellini Involtini
- 2 whole Large (should Be Approximately 1 Pound Each) Eggplants
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided
- 3/4 cups Diced Onion
- 3/4 cups Diced Carrot
- 2 cloves Garlic, Chopped
- 1/2 cups Dry White Wine
- 1 can (28 0z.) Crushed Tomatoes
- 1/4 cups Packed Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1/2 pounds Capellini (angel Hair Pasta)
- Sea Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cups Ricotta Cheese
- 4 ounces, weight Smoked Mozzarella (or Up To 8 Oz. If You Like Lots Of Cheese)
- Basil Springs Or Chopped Parsley, For Garnish
- Slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices (you will want at least 12 large slices).
- Lightly brush each side with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Arrange slices on two baking sheets and bake at 400 F until golden brown in spots (about 30 minutes), switching positions of the baking sheets half-way through.
- Remove eggplant from oven and let cool slightly, then stack slices together to trap moisture and ensure that they are nice and soft for rolling.
- (Can be made ahead.
- If you do this, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.)
- Meanwhile heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over high heat, then saute the carrot, onion, and garlic until onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the white wine and reduce by half, then add the crushed tomatoes and basil.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, covered, for 30 minutes until carrots are soft.
- Remove pot from heat and blend thoroughly using an immersion stick blender.
- Check seasoning and add sea salt to taste.
- This should make about 4 cups of sauce.
- (Can be made ahead.
- Store covered in refrigerator up to one week.)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook capellini according to package directions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta with 2 cups of the prepared tomato sauce.
- Strain and transfer the capellini to the large bowl and mix to thoroughly coat each strand of pasta with the sauce.
- (Work quickly to mix the sauce in, as capellini tends to clump together soon after being drained from the cooking water.)
- Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a large baking dish, then prepare the involtini.
- Place a generous 1/2 cup of the capellini mixture on the narrow end of an eggplant slice, then roll up snugly and place the roll, seam side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining pasta and eggplant slices.
- Layer thin slices of smoked mozzarella over the top of the involtini.
- (Can be made ahead.
- Cover baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store refrigerated up to 2 days.)
- Bake at 400 F for just a few minutes until involtini have heated through and the smoked mozzarella has become browned and bubbly.
- For each serving, spoon some of the remaining warm tomato sauce on a plate or shallow bowl and place 3 rolls on top.
- Sprinkle with a little minced fresh parsley or basil for some pretty color!
eggplants, olive oil, onion, carrot, garlic, white wine, tomatoes, fresh basil, capellini, salt, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, basil
Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/eggplant-capellini-involtini/ (may not work)