Silvia’s Italian Table

Involtini Di Melanzane Con Ricotta e Spinaci (Stuffed Eggplant Rolls with Ricotta and Spinach) Myabsolutefavouritesummerclassic:ricottaandspinachstuffedeggplantrolls.

Serves:4Ingredients

• 16slicesofeggplantcutto1/2cmthick• 3tablespoonsofextra-virginoliveoil• 1garlicclove,bashed• 500goffullfatricotta• 150gofbabyspinach• 1egg• 1/4cupoffreshlygratedpecorino• 2-3tablespoonsofchoppedherbs(likeparsleyandbasil)• 1/4teaspoonoffreshlygratednutmegsaltandpepperforseasoning

Forthesauce

• 2tablespoonsofextra-virginoliveoil• 1-2garliccloves,bashed• 1/8capsicumstrip

Silvia’s Italian Table

• 500mlofpassataortinnedtomatoes• Saltandpepperforseasoning• Basilleaves

Forthetopping

• 150gfreshmozzarella,cutintosmallpieces• 3-4tablespoonsoffreshlygratedpecorino• Freshlygroundpepper• Basilleaves

MethodHeatupagriddlepan.Brushtheeggplantslicesusingtwotablespoonsofoliveoil,thengrillonbothsides.Inthemeantime,makeyoursimpletomatosaucebyheatinguptheoilinapan,bashthegarlicwiththebackofaknifethenthrowinintothehotoil,skinandall.Addthepassata,thecapsicumandsimmerovermediumheatfor20minutes.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,discardthegarlicandthecapsicum.Turnofftheheatandthebasil.Setaside.Heattheovento200°C.Whiletheovenisheating,makethericottafilling.Heat1tablespoonofoilinapanaddthegarlic,thendropinallthespinach,coverwithalidandcookoverhighheatfor1-2minutesoruntilwilted.Draintheexcessliquidandsetaside.Mixthericottawithcheese,egg,herbs,choppedupcookedspinach,nutmegandseasonwithsaltandpepper.Smear1ladlefuloftomatosauceatthebaseofamediumsizedovendish.Put1tablespoonoffillinginthemiddleofeacheggplantslice,rollthemuptoencloseitandarrangeeachrollontotheovendishinonelayer.Drizzletherestofthepassataontop,addthetornmozzarellaandgratedcheeseandbakefor25-30minutesoruntilgoldenandbubbly.Restatroomtemperaturefor5minutesbeforeserving.Sprinkleplentyofbasilontopandservewithadrizzleofchilioil.