Awesome Eggplant Rollatine Food

EGGPLANT ROLLATINI

Steps:

• Position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment.
• Cut off the stem of one eggplant, then slice 1/2 inch off one long side. Turn the eggplant onto the trimmed flat side and slice 1/2 inch off the 2 long sides, squaring it off slightly. Slice the eggplant into 6 long pieces, each about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the other eggplant. (Discard the trimmed pieces or reserve for another use.)
• Divide the eggplant slices between the prepared baking sheets. Brush both sides of each slice with the olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake, flipping the slices over about halfway through, until just tender and starting to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Use a large spatula to transfer the slices to a cutting board in a single layer to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, stir together the ricotta, parsley, lemon zest, basil, 2 cups of the mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the egg. Spoon a leveled 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture into the center of each eggplant slice and roll up tightly.
• Spread half of the tomato basil sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange the rolled eggplant slices seam-side down in the center of the baking dish, making 2 rows of 6 and leaving space between the rows. Spoon the remaining sauce down the middle of the rolls, leaving the edges exposed. Top the rolls with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake, rotating the dish halfway through, until the eggplant is very tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

EGGPLANT ROLLATINI

Steps:

• Preheat the grill pan and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place a rack over a large baking sheet. Cut the 2 ends off the eggplant. Cut the eggplants lengthwise, into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange eggplant slices onto rack. Sprinkle with sea salt to help remove excess moisture and any bitterness from the eggplants. Set aside for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off the salt from the eggplants and pat dry with a towel. Spray hot grill pan liberally with vegetable spray and then place eggplant slices on the grill until lightly browned on each side and tender, about 4 minutes per side. Remove slices from the grill pan and allow to cool.
• In a large bowl, beat eggs until lightly scrambled. Mix the ricotta in with the egg. Add mozzarella, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts and gently combine. Fold in basil just to combine. Do not overmix.
• Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture on 1 end of the eggplant and roll up tightly. Place the eggplant rollatini into a greased (with olive oil) 13 by 9-inch baking dish, seam side down. Continue with remaining eggplant. Evenly distribute the tomato sauce on top of the eggplant rollatini. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining 5 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and bake for 15 minutes. When cooked, drizzle the top with extra-virgin olive oil.
• In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
• Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.
• If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.