Say hello to a low-carb, legitimately delicious dish for your next #MeatlessMonday spotlight! This eggplant roll-up rendition could not seem more basic; but when you use high-quality and bold flavors including Rao’s tomato sauce and a bright basil pesto, you’re bound for success. Spread, roll, bake and serve alongside a toasted baguette and glass of wine.
For this dish in particular, a Gary Farrell single vineyard Royal Blue label collection Pinot Noir paired perfectly. The especially earthy Toboni Vineyard taste brought notes of rustic wine country to the forefront of our palates. It’s been over 20 years since Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery has updated its iconic parchment label, and I could taste the innovation and passion of winemaker Theresa Heredia with each sip during our meal. You can purchase the exclusive new label here.
Bon appetit.
Serves 4-6
1 large eggplant (preferably long/skinny), cut length-wise into 1/4-inch slices
Kosher salt
1 jar Rao’s marinara sauce
1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
1/4 cup grated pecorino
Salt + pepper
Fresh basil, to garnish
1. Sprinkle eggplant with kosher salt to help remove excess moisture and bitterness. Set aside for about 15 minutes. Pat dry with a towel.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season eggplant with salt and pepper, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with foil and bake until eggplant is tender and pliable but not fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
4. Pat eggplant dry with paper towels.Spoon pesto onto one end of each eggplant slice, spreading to cover. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Starting at the short end, roll up slices and arrange them each seam side down in the prepared dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce, pesto, mozzarella cheese and pecorino, and tightly cover with foil.
5. Bake until eggplant is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before serving with fresh basil and additional pecorino if desired.