Eggplant rolls with mozzarella and tomato sauce

4 servings

40 minutes

Eggplant rolls with mozzarella and tomato sauce are an elegant Italian dish that combines the softness of baked eggplants, the tenderness of mozzarella, and the brightness of aromatic tomato sauce with nutty-garlic notes. This recipe is inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine where the simplicity of ingredients transforms into refined gastronomic pleasure. The rolls surprise with their texture: fried eggplants become silky, cheese melts pleasantly, and the rich tomato sauce adds zest. They are perfect as an appetizer or main course and pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine and fresh herbs. This is not just food; it's a true art of flavor conveying the warmth of sunny Italy in every bite.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 206
• Proteins: 8.7g
• Fats: 16.8g
• Carbohydrates: 8.9g

Ingredients

• Eggplants: 2 pc
• Mozzarella cheese: 100 g
• Tomatoes: 2 pc
• Walnuts: 65 g
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Olive oil: to taste
• Salt: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Slice the eggplants lengthwise about 4-5 mm thick and fry in olive oil until nicely browned.

   Required ingredients:

   • Eggplants: 2 pieces
   • Olive oil:  to taste

2. While the eggplants are frying, prepare the tomatoes: pour boiling water over them and peel off the skin. Then cut them into small cubes. Finely chop the garlic and walnuts.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces
   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Walnuts: 65 g

3. Place the fried eggplants on a plate and let them cool. Meanwhile, add tomatoes, nuts, and garlic to the same pan, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the tomatoes are soft. You can slice the mozzarella during this time.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces
   • Walnuts: 65 g
   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Mozzarella cheese: 100 g

4. When the tomato mixture is ready, set aside a little for plating (about 2 tablespoons per serving), and with the rest, you can start forming the rolls: place cheese in the middle of an eggplant strip, add the tomato sauce on top, wrap both ends of the eggplant, and secure with a toothpick.

   Required ingredients:

   • Mozzarella cheese: 100 g
   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces

5. Place the prepared rolls on parchment in a baking tray or suitable oven dish and bake for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees. Keep an eye on the cheese as it may melt sooner and leak out, so don't stray far from the oven.

   Required ingredients:

   • Mozzarella cheese: 100 g

6. Place the ready rolls on the tomato sauce and garnish with greens.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces