Eggplant Rolls

Eggplant rolls with peppers - a simple and refined delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a quick and elegant recipe, eggplant rolls with peppers are the perfect choice. These little delights are not only easy to prepare but also delicious and full of flavors. The origins of this recipe are shrouded in mystery, being a popular dish in many cultures, often served as an appetizer or starter.

These rolls are ideal for serving at a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself on a weekend evening. Additionally, the combination of eggplant, peppers, and garlic offers an intense and satisfying taste, as well as numerous nutritional benefits. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, while bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C.

Ingredients you will need:

- 1 medium eggplant
- 4 meaty bell peppers
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3 teaspoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- Salt, to taste

Step by step: Preparing the eggplant rolls

1. Preparing the garlic paste: Start by crushing the 4 cloves of garlic. You can crush them with a knife or a mortar. Add a pinch of salt to help achieve a fine paste. Then, gradually add the olive oil and vinegar, mixing vigorously, as if you were making mayonnaise. This paste will add an intense flavor to your rolls.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Wash the eggplant and bell peppers well under a stream of cold water. Dry them with a paper towel. Cut the eggplant into thin slices, about 0.5 cm thick. These slices will be the base of your rolls.

3. Cooking the eggplants: Preheat the grill or a grill pan. You can add a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the eggplant slices on the grill, allowing them to cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and soft. Once you remove them from the grill, let them cool slightly.

4. Preparing the peppers: Meanwhile, roast the bell peppers on the grill or in a pan until the skin becomes blackened and peels away easily. Once they are ready, let them cool slightly, then peel them and cut them into strips.

5. Assembling the rolls: On each slice of eggplant, spread a thin layer of garlic paste. Place a few strips of bell pepper on top and roll tightly to form a roll. Secure each roll with a toothpick to keep it together.

6. Allowing the flavors to meld: Let the prepared rolls sit for a few minutes for the flavors to combine. You can choose to serve them warm or cold, depending on your preferences.

Serving suggestion: These rolls are delicious on their own, but they can also be served alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill, which will add a touch of freshness.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add feta or mozzarella cheese inside the rolls for extra creaminess. You can also replace the garlic with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can replace the eggplants with zucchini or courgettes, and the peppers can be substituted with other roasted vegetables, such as eggplants or carrots.

2. How can I store the rolls? These rolls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. How many calories do the eggplant rolls contain? One serving (2 rolls) contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and other ingredients used.

Nutritional benefits: Eggplant rolls are a healthy choice, being low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They can be included in a balanced diet and are ideal for vegetarians or vegans.

These eggplant rolls with peppers are a true explosion of flavors and textures, and preparing them is a real pleasure. I encourage you to try this simple yet sophisticated recipe that will surely bring a special touch to your table. Don’t forget to share your impressions about this recipe and explore the variations you can create! Enjoy!