Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese are a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of eggplant combined with savory ham and melting cheese. This dish is not only comforting but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and delicious aroma. These rolls can serve as a lovely appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course, making them quite versatile on your dining table.
Gather Your Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese Ingredients
To make these flavorful Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Eggplant: 2 medium-sized
- Cooked Ham (or a suitable alternative): 150g (5.3 oz)
- Mozzarella or Fontina Cheese: 200g (7 oz), sliced
- Tomato Passata: 200g (7 oz)
- Olive Oil: as needed
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Basil: for garnish
Step-by-Step Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese Recipe
Follow these easy steps to create your Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese:
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Prepare the Eggplant: Start by slicing the eggplants thinly. You want them to be about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick for easy rolling.
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Grill the Eggplant: Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and place them on the hot griddle. Grill each slice for a few minutes until they become tender and develop nice grill marks.
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Assemble the Rolls: Once the eggplant slices are grilled, take one slice and place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top. Roll the eggplant slice tightly to form an involtino (roll). Repeat this process with the remaining slices.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the eggplant involtini in a baking dish, standing them upright if possible to create an appealing presentation.
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Add Tomato Passata: Pour the tomato passata evenly over the rolls. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the top, and drizzle with olive oil.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (355 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the Eggplant Rolls for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the top turns lightly golden.
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and flavor.
Serve & Enjoy Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese
These Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese are best served warm and can be enjoyed straight from the baking dish. For an elegant presentation, consider plating them individually on small plates. Drizzle some extra tomato passata around the plate and top with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch.
You might pair these rolls with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of light red wine or sparkling water complements this dish wonderfully.
Expert Tips for Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese
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Choose Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality mozzarella or fontina. They melt perfectly, giving your rolls a delightful gooey texture.
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Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the rolls for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Spice it Up: If you like a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking for a spicy twist!
Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese FAQs
Can I make these Eggplant Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the rolls in advance, then cover and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, just pour the tomato passata on top and bake.
What type of ham can I use for this recipe?
You can use any cooked ham you like, or even turkey ham or chicken slices for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s thinly sliced for easy rolling.
How can I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Give these Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese a try! They are sure to impress your family and friends with their delightful taste and beautiful presentation. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Eggplant Rolls with Ham and Cheese
Deliciously rich eggplant rolls filled with savory ham and melting cheese, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium Eggplant
- 150 g Cooked Ham (or a suitable alternative) (Can substitute with turkey ham or chicken slices.)
- 200 g Mozzarella or Fontina Cheese, sliced (Opt for high-quality cheese for best flavor.)
- 200 g Tomato Passata
- as needed Olive Oil (For brushing and drizzling.)
- to taste Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Preparation
- Slice the eggplants thinly, about 0.5 cm thick for easy rolling.
- Grill the eggplant slices on a medium-high heated griddle pan, lightly brushed with olive oil, until tender with grill marks.
Assembly
- On each grilled eggplant slice, place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, then roll tightly to form an involtino.
- Arrange the rolled eggplants in a baking dish, standing them upright for presentation.
Cooking
- Pour the tomato passata over the rolls, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (355 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
These rolls can be served warm or plated individually with extra tomato passata and basil. They pair great with a side salad or crusty bread.
