Eggplant Rollatini
- 3 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise 1/3 inch thick (about 18 slices)
- 2 tbsp plus 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 28 oz can peeled plum tomatoes
- 2 roasted red peppers
- 2 large basil sprigs
- 6 garlic cloves, roasted and pureed
- 2 sprigs oregano (or 2 tsp dried oregano)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 15 ounce container ricotta
- 1/2 cup mascarpone
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- Place the eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle on both sides with 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Allow the slices to release their bitter juices, 20 to 30 minutes.
- To make the sauce, cut the tomatoes in large chunks, combine with the peppers in a medium bowl and puree with an immersion blender, or in a food processor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the tomato and pepper puree, basil, garlic, oregano and 1 teaspoon of the salt, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the flavors are blended, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cover 2 medium cookie sheets with foil and brush with the olive oil.
- Wipe the excess salt from the eggplant, roll in the paper towels and squeeze the rolls gently to remove more moisture.
- Transfer the eggplant to the cookie sheets, and bake until tender and somewhat translucent, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cover the slices with foil (to trap steam that will prevent the eggplant from sticking to the pan) and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mascarpone, nutmeg and the remaining teaspoon of salt.
- Transfer half of the tomato sauce to a 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
- With your hands, and using 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture, make roll-shapes.
- Place one partway down from the wide end on an eggplant slice, roll to enclose it, and transfer to the baking dish seam side down.
- Repeat with remaining cheese mixture and slices.
- Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the eggplant, sprinkle with the Parmesan, and bake until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
eggplants, kosher salt, tomatoes, red peppers, basil, garlic, oregano, extravirgin olive oil, ricotta, mascarpone, nutmeg, parmesan
Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/eggplant-rollatini-recipe/ (may not work)