Go Back

Vegan Eggplant Rollatini

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.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: Cauliflower, dairy-free rollatini, Eggplant, eggplant rollatini, Hummus, plant-based eggplant, vegan eggplant rollatini, vegan rollatini
Servings: 9 rolls

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Large skillet or griddle
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients

Eggplant

  • 1 large eggplant use 2 if small
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Cauliflower Sun-Dried Tomato Filling

  • 1 head of cauliflower chopped into florets
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves about 10-12 leaves, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup hummus
  • 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

  • 3 to 4 cups marinara 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.