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Involtini Hero

Zucchini Eggplant Involtini

© Chef Laura Bonicelli
The Italian word "Involtini" translates to "rolls." It's fun to bake these in individual ramekins and serve them as a first course. The brightness of the lemon in the filling sets this dish apart
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish - Vegetarian, MM-Blue
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 304 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 1 medium zucchini

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  • canola or olive oil cooking spray

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  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta homemade whole-milk
  • 1 grated zest and juice of lemon
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

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  • 2 cups homemade Basic Sauce or favorite marinara

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  • pesto for topping
  • grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Trim the stem end of the eggplant and zucchini. Cut both lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices using a mandoline. Sprinkle both with Kosher salt and set aside in a colander for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with cooking spray and place the eggplant and zucchini slices in a single layer on separate pans. Spray the slices with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the slices over and bake an additional 8 minutes until soft and cooked through. Set the pans aside to cool. Increase the oven temperature to 425 F.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Parmesan, ricotta, lemon zest, juice, thyme leaves, and Kosher salt. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and add enough basic sauce to cover the bottom.
  • On a work surface, lay down one slice of eggplant, top it with a slice of zucchini. Place a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture at one end and roll the slices around the filling. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with other rolls.
  • Surround and top the rolls with remaining sauce. Top each roll with a dollop of pesto.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until rolls are browning and sauce is bubbling. Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with Parmesan and serve.

Notes

I love serving these with fresh linguini or polenta.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 20gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 667mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 754IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 432mgIron: 1mg
Keyword ricotta, thyme
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