EGGPLANT ROLL-UPS

Eggplant Roll-Ups image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 24

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

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut eggplants lengthwise into eighteen 1/4-in.-thick slices; reserve leftover pieces. Line 2 baking sheets with foil. Coat both sides of eggplant slices 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. , 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., 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., 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 : Calories 257 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 652mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges