Keto Eggplant Rollatini is an Italian dish. You may serve it as an appetizer/side dish or main course. The amazing part is you may enjoy it baked fresh without any working hassle. This dish consists of an eggplant roll. We prepare these rolls by rolling thin slices of eggplant with the ricotta cheese filling inside & then arrange them in the large dish. Cover them with the red sauce & grated cheese and then bake. Keto Egg Plant Rollatini is the yummiest & healthy dish that is not too difficult to make. It only contains eleven (11) g of net carbs in a serving.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
EQUIPMENT:
- 1 baking dish
- Tray of baking 1
INGREDIENTS:
FILLING:
- One teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 284 g of ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- One-eighth tsp of sea salt.
- Frozen spinach, 8 oz.
- Powder of peppercorn, 1/8 tsp.
- An egg, large.
- 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese.
EGGPLANT:
- One-fourth teaspoon of powdered peppercorn.
- Eggplant, 1.5 pounds.
- 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Oil of olives, 2tbsp.
ASSEMBLY:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup.
- A cup of marinara sauce.
- Basil to garnishing (fresh)
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INGREDIENT NOTES:
OIL:
You have the choice to use avocado oil, light oil of olives, or oil of olives (extra-virgin). The purpose is to fry the slices of eggplant.
EGGPLANT:
You may either use an Italian/American eggplant. Some countries use Aubergine in place of eggplant to name it.
If you have only an Italian eggplant available, then try to choose the hard one. These are much more tender than regular ones.
FROZEN SPINACH:
Defrost your frozen spinach well. Remove complete moisture by pressing it. If you want to use fresh spinach then you have to work a lot. Wash the leaves of spinach, chop them & saute them to get them tender & evaporate their water.
Keep in mind you need to take 20 ounces of fresh spinach leaves to get 8 ounces after cooking.
EGG:
It helps to bind & hold the filling. You have the choice to skip the egg. Egg substitutes have nothing to do here.
RICOTTA CHEESE:
You may use 2% ricotta cheese. Here we are using whole milk which gives the best flavor. This cheese forms the base.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
You may use grated or shredded cheese (parmesan). Both work well.
SEASONING:
You may use the readymade Italian seasoning for your convenience. if you don’t have one then make it by yourself at home. Combine the dried herbs in just a couple of minutes.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
You may use fresh cheese by shredding it by yourself. Use a paper towel to dry it. Otherwise, it makes your filling watery. If you have less time then use already-shredded cheese.
BASIL:
It’s not compulsory to use it. Fresh basil adds a great fresh kick.
MARINARA SAUCE:
You have the option to use your favorite sauce. May it be bought from the store or made at home. Some recipes use sugar-free tomato sauce. Here we are using marinara sauce to have the extra flavor.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
PREPARATIONS:
- Spread the parchment to cover the tray of baking.
- Switch the oven to heat it at 204 degrees C before starts working.
WORKING WITH EGGPLANT:
- Wash the eggplants & dry them.
- Grab the mandoline slicer & slice the eggplant length-wise.
- Slices should be in the form of thin sheets which must be 1/4-inch thick.
- Pick twelve pieces from the center.
- Set these pieces in a layer on the parchment-covered baking tray.
- Apply oil on the surface of each slice.
- Now dust with Powdered peppercorns & sea salt such that every slice must be seasoned well.
- Insert the tray of baking for the roasting of eggplant.
- Give them the time in which they become tender & dry.
- Dry their excess moisture using a kitchen/paper towel after baking.
Make THE FILLING:
- Pick a medium bowl.
- Start adding the items of the filling in an individual manner.
- Mix well to finish the filling.
ASSEMBLING:
- Make 12 equal portions of the filling.
- Spread each portion of the filling on the roasted eggplant.
- After that roll the baked eggplant slices along with the filling.
- Spread the half cup of marinara sauce at the base of the dish.
- Use a flat spatula-type spoon to transfer the rolls into the baking dish.
- Be careful to keep the closing end downside.
- Now pour another 1/2 cup of the sauce along with the grated/shredded cheese over the top.
- Spread it well.
- Now insert the dish into the oven till the melting of the cheese.
- Then shift the dish near the flame.
- Your cheese will start to brown & crisp.
- Take it out when it’s done.
- Use basil (fresh) to give it a unique & classical finish.
- Your keto eggplant rollatini is ready!
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
TIPS:
- Apply salt over each slice of eggplant. Wait for 20 or 30 minutes till most of the water evaporates. This trick will go to help you a lot. If your eggplants are bitter, the bitterness will also gone with the removal of moisture.
- The mandoline slicer will help you to get even slices with equal thickness. If you are able to make perfect slices using a sharp knife. Then go for a knife.
- To make them easier to roll, it is better to stack the hot & roasted eggplant. As a result, they become soft with the steam.
- Never use corner slices. As they will be difficult to roll because of their short length. Always use the long, center slices.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FREEZER:
Cover the baking dish with cling wrap. Use a freezer to keep it safe for 90 or 100 days. You have the option to store it before or after baking.
FRIDGE:
Place the remaining rollatini you have in a container that should seal well. Use the fridge to keep them safe for 3 or 4 days.
EARLIER PREPARATION:
You have two options, you may use for the earlier preparation;
Prepare & assemble the rollatini in the baking dish & freeze it. Pick it from the freezer & drop it into the oven to bake it fresh.
Roast the slices of eggplant & prepare the filling and store them. You have to assemble & bake them when you need to eat/serve.
Both of the ways get you the fresh-baked eggplant rollatini.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
FAQs:
Do we use anything additional for extra flavor?
You may use anything that serves to enhance the flavor. Use some minced garlic cloves to give the classic touch of flavor to the filling.
How we can serve this great dish?
If you plan to serve the eggplant rollatini as an appetizer/side dish. You may serve it with keto main dishes; slow cooker chicken cacciatore, baked cod, veal scallopini, etc.
If you are presenting the eggplant rollatini as a main course then try these salads; Caprese salad, greek lemon potatoes, arugula salad, etc.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING:
Recipe yield: Serves 4
Size of a serving: 3 eggplant rollatini.
Calories: 409 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16.7 grams
Net carbs: 11 g
Fiber: 5.7 grams
Proteins: 22.8 g
Sugar: 6.1 grams
Fats: 29 g
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS