Imagine a dish that combines the smoky richness of perfectly grilled eggplant, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and a vibrant tomato sauce that dances with Mediterranean flavors. These Greek Eggplant Rolls (Rollatini) are not just a recipe—they're a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece with every single bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplants by washing and trimming the ends. Slice them lengthwise into thin 1/4-inch strips using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them rest for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels to remove salt and moisture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each eggplant slice with olive oil and season with black pepper.
- Grill or roast the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and have light char marks.
- In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce to the skillet, simmer for 10 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix crumbled feta cheese with a pinch of black pepper.
- Place a spoonful of feta cheese mixture at one end of each grilled eggplant slice and carefully roll up.
- Spread half the tomato sauce in a baking dish, arrange the eggplant rolls seam-side down.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce over the rolls and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve hot as a main dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Salt and drain your eggplant slices to remove excess moisture and reduce bitterness. This crucial step ensures your rolls are perfectly tender, not soggy.
- Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin eggplant strips, which will roll more easily and cook more evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or basil to your feta cheese mixture.
- If you don't have a grill, you can roast eggplant slices in the oven or use a grill pan for those beautiful char marks.
- Let the rolls rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light Greek salad to complete your Mediterranean feast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
