Eggplant slices rolled around a cauliflower and sun-dried tomato filling, baked in marinara sauce. The filling is lighter than traditional tofu ricotta, with hummus as the binder and fresh spinach wilted right in.
1handful fresh basil leavesabout 10-12 leaves, plus more for topping
1/4cuphummus
2tablespoonsvegan parmesan
2cupsfresh spinach
Juice from 1/2 lemon
2teaspoonsItalian seasoning
Sea salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
3 to 4cupsmarinara sauce
Vegan parmesan for sprinkling
Fresh basil or parsley for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant
Slice 1 large eggplant lengthwise into planks about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat the slices dry with paper towels.
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the eggplant slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pliable enough to bend without breaking. Add more olive oil between batches as needed. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Filling
Add cauliflower florets from 1 head of cauliflower to a food processor. Pulse until the pieces are roughly the size of rice grains.
Add 2/3 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 3 cloves garlic, and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Pulse a few more times until combined but still textured.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower mixture and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often.
Add 1/4 cup hummus, 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan, 2 cups fresh spinach, juice from 1/2 lemon, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the spinach has fully wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 3 to 4 cups marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Lay one eggplant slice flat. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling onto one end and roll up snugly. Place seam-side down in the marinara. Repeat with remaining slices. Spoon any leftover filling on top of the rolls.
Bake uncovered for 15 to 17 minutes until the sauce is bubbling. Sprinkle vegan parmesan generously over the top and return to the oven for 2 more minutes. Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.Freezing: Assemble rollatini in a freezer-safe dish before baking. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, covered for the first 20 minutes.Tip: Don't skip the salting step. It draws out excess moisture so the eggplant holds its shape and the rollatini don't get watery.Tip: Pulse the food processor in short bursts for the filling. You want cauliflower rice, not cauliflower puree.