Crispy Eggplant Rollatini: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Step 1

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2

Take the eggplant slices and place them in a spacious dish, submerging them in salted water for approximately 15 minutes to enhance their flavor. After soaking, drain the slices and cover them with milk for a creamy touch.

Step 3

In a large resealable plastic bag, mix together flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to create a flavorful coating.

Step 4

Lightly beat eggs in a shallow bowl that can accommodate the eggplant slices for easy dipping.

Step 5

Prepare a seasoned coating by combining panko breadcrumbs, the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in another resealable plastic bag.

Step 6

Take each eggplant slice, coat it in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then transfer it to the panko mixture for a crispy finish. Repeat this process for all slices.

Step 7

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the coated eggplant slices in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 2 minutes per side. Place the cooked slices on a cooling rack and repeat the process with the remaining eggplant, adding more oil as needed.

Step 8

Next, in a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until the onion softens. Incorporate tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and poultry seasoning. Allow the flavors to meld by covering and simmering the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

To prepare the filling, gently mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.

Step 10

Spread a generous 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling on each eggplant slice, roll them into logs, and arrange them in a 9x13-inch baking pan in a single layer. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls evenly.

Step 11

Bake the dish in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling, which should take around 30 minutes. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and intensify.