Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes
Involtini Primavera
Involtini Primavera is a delightful Italian dish that embodies the essence of spring with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This dish features tender, thinly sliced eggplant rolled around a creamy filling of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, all baked in a rich, savory tomato sauce. The combination of melted cheeses and aromatic basil makes each bite a culinary experience, reminiscent of sun-drenched Italian gardens. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, Involtini Primavera is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and Italian tradition.
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- 2 medium, sliced lengthwise into thin slices
- Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons, for brushing
- Salt
- to taste
- Black pepper
- to taste
- Fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Spinach
- 2 cups, fresh and chopped
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated
- Tomato sauce
- 2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until soft and slightly golden.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Mix until well blended.
- Spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each eggplant slice, then roll up the slices and secure with a toothpick.
- In a baking dish, pour half of the tomato sauce to create a base layer. Place the eggplant rolls in the dish, seam side down, and cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Before serving, garnish with additional chopped basil for a fresh touch.
Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- You can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can grill the eggplant slices instead of baking them.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 350 Fat: 22g Carbs: 24g Protein: 18g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 6g
Finding side dishes...
Selecting wines...
Reviews
Share Your Experience
Your Review
Want to share your experience with this recipe?
Sign in to Leave a ReviewCommunity Reviews
Loading community reviews...