FETA-STUFFED EGGPLANT ROLLS WITH SALSA VERDE

Feta-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls with Salsa Verde image

Yield Serves 6 as a first course

Number Of Ingredients 8

a 1-pound firm eggplant
olive oil for brushing eggplant
3 ounces feta, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup whole-milk ricotta
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped fine
3 red bell peppers, roasted, or two 7-ounce jars, drained, and patted dry
1 bunch arugula or small bunch spinach, coarse stems discarded and leaves washed well and spun dry
Accompaniment:Salsa Verde

Steps:

Preheat broiler.
Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and arrange 6 center slices on an oiled baking sheet in one layer, reserving remaining eggplant for another use. Brush eggplant with oil and season with salt.
Broil eggplant about 3 inches from heat until golden, about 5 minutes. Carefully turn eggplant with a metal spatula and broil until golden, about 4 minutes more. Transfer eggplant to a platter large enough to hold slices in one layer and cool. (Eggplant may be prepared up to this point 3 hours ahead and kept, covered loosely, at room temperature.)
In a small bowl with a fork mash together feta, ricotta, mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Cut peppers lengthwise into pieces about same width as eggplant slices.
Assemble rolls:
Top eggplant slices with pepper pieces, arranging them in one layer. Put 1 tablespoon cheese mixture near narrow end of each slice and into it gently press 4 or 5 arugula or spinach leaves so that they stick out on both sides. Beginning with cheese end, roll up each slice to enclose cheese mixture and leaves. (Rolls may be made 2 hours ahead and kept, covered loosely, at room temperature.)
Serve rolls drizzled with salsa verde.