Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni
Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni Recipe: A Delicious Italian Dish
Looking for a delicious and healthy Italian dish? Try making Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni! This dish is perfect for vegetarians and those who are looking for a low-carb meal. The combination of eggplant and ricotta cheese creates a creamy and flavorful filling that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 8 lasagna sheets
- 1 large eggplant, sliced lengthwise
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking Tips:
- To make the eggplant slices more pliable, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a mandoline slicer to get even slices of eggplant.
- If you don't have lasagna sheets, you can use fresh pasta sheets or even zucchini slices.
Cooking Process:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until tender.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Lay a lasagna sheet on a flat surface and spoon some of the ricotta mixture onto one end. Place a grilled eggplant slice on top of the ricotta mixture and roll up the lasagna sheet.
7. Place the cannelloni seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining lasagna sheets, ricotta mixture, and eggplant slices.
8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Appearance and Taste:
Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni is a beautiful dish that is sure to impress your guests. The cannelloni are filled with a creamy and flavorful mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic. The grilled eggplant slices add a smoky flavor and a meaty texture to the dish. The marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top create a delicious and comforting Italian flavor.
Type of Dish: Vegetarian Pasta
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Ricotta Cheese, Marinara Sauce
