Eggplant Roll-Ups

We love these easy Italian eggplant roll-ups stuffed with creamy ricotta and spinach. The fact that these are vegetarian is a bonus!

Eggplant Roll-Ups

Average Rating: 1

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 50 min. Bake: 20 min.
YIELD: 6 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants (about 2-1/2 pounds)
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

  • SAUCE:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 3 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

  • FILLING:
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Dash ground nutmeg

  • TOPPING:
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
  • Minced fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cut eggplant lengthwise into 18 1/4-in.-thick slices, reserving leftover pieces. Line two baking sheets with foil. Coat both sides of eggplant with cooking spray; place in a single layer on prepared pans. Sprinkle eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake until just pliable (do not soften completely), 10-12 minutes; cool slightly.
  • 2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add spinach; cover and boil 2-3 minutes or until wilted. Drain spinach and squeeze dry. Chop spinach and set aside.
  • 3. Finely chop leftover eggplant to measure 1 cup (discard remaining or save for another use). In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped eggplant; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, puree, basil, sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until flavors are blended.
  • 4. Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine filling ingredients and spinach. Place a rounded tablespoon of filling on the wide end of each eggplant slice; carefully roll up. Place roll-ups over sauce, seam side down. Top with 1-1/2 cups sauce. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; sprinkle over top. Bake until heated through and bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce and, if desired, sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts

3 roll-ups: 257 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges:
2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.