Parmesan Roll-Up Sonata – Eggplant Euphoria
The Parmesan Roll-Up Sonata: Eggplant Euphoria is a culinary masterpiece that offers a harmonious blend of thinly-sliced, tender eggplant wrapped around a creamy ricotta filling, baked to golden perfection. This dish, rooted in Italian culinary traditions, uses simple ingredients to yield complex flavors, promising an unforgettable vegetarian dining experience that may inspire your own kitchen adventures and reshape the future of vegetarian cuisine.
Prep Time
45 minutes (includes time for eggplant to sit with salt)
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- Eggplant, 1 large, firm, and long
- Ricotta cheese, 1 cup (240 ml)
- Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (240 ml), shredded
- Sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup (60 ml), chopped
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup (60 ml), chopped
- Garlic, 2 cloves, minced
- Breadcrumbs, 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup (120 ml), grated
- Eggs, 2 large
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt, 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
Method
- Begin by peeling the eggplant and slicing it lengthwise into thin layers. Sprinkle layers with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and one minced garlic clove. Set aside.
- In another bowl, prepare the breadcrumb mixture by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, the remaining garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Beat the eggs in a shallow dish.
- Rinse the salt off the eggplant slices and pat dry.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry each slice until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture on one end of an eggplant slice, roll it up, and place it seam side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs.
The Parmesan Roll-Up Sonata: Eggplant Euphoria is a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine, blending the rich flavors of eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella into a dish that’s both comforting and complex. The crisp exterior and creamy interior create an irresistible texture contrast that makes this dish a memorable experience. Perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet vegetarian feast, it’s a delightful exploration of flavors and textures that pays homage to traditional Italian cooking.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 726
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 181mg
- Sodium: 3182mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugars: 19g
- Fiber: 7g