Eggplant Roll

Vegan Roll with Eggplant and Dill - Simple and Delicious Recipe

Who doesn't love a fluffy and aromatic roll, especially when it's a vegan recipe? This eggplant and dill roll is not only an excellent choice for a Friday meal, but also a fantastic way to turn leftover ingredients from your freezer into something truly special. Let’s embark on this captivating recipe together, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or parsley, if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

*For the filling:*
- 2 eggplants, diced and sautéed (if you don’t have sautéed eggplants, you can fry them a bit before using)
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- A pinch of garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper, diced for added color

Recipe Story

The vegan roll with eggplant is a recipe that has evolved over time, becoming a popular choice among those looking to diversify their meals. This version is not only tasty but also an ingenious way to use vegetables, making them shine in all their glory. The eggplants, with their creamy texture, blend perfectly with the sweet onion and fresh dill, creating a delicious filling.

Step by Step: Making the Roll

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the olive oil and 200 ml of warm water, then start kneading. When the dough begins to take shape, add the finely chopped dill. Continue kneading until you have an elastic and smooth dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Peel and finely chop the onion. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion with about 50 ml of water, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the eggplants and sauté together until the liquid reduces. Finally, add the chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool, then place it in a blender and blend until it becomes a smooth paste.

3. Forming the roll:
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on a working surface and roll out a sheet of dough about 1 cm thick. Spread the eggplant filling evenly over the surface, and add the diced red bell pepper for an extra pop of color and flavor. Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder for a more intense taste.

4. Rolling:
Roll the dough with the filling, being careful not to let the ingredients spill out the sides. Once you have a compact roll, place it in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the roll with a towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the roll for 40-45 minutes, until it turns golden and crispy on the outside.

6. Serving:
Let the roll cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious warm but can also be served cold as an appetizer or snack.

Helpful Tips

- Herb variation: If you’re not a fan of dill, parsley is an excellent alternative. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano for a different twist.
- Additional vegetables: The roll can be enriched with other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to add more colors and textures.
- Serving suggestion: This roll pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a yogurt garlic sauce that will complement the flavors of the filling.
- Storage: The roll can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Information

This vegan roll is a nutritious choice, being low in calories due to the vegetables. Eggplants are rich in fiber and antioxidants, while dill adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat flour (if you choose to use it) will provide even more nutritional benefits, helping to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or rye flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of water.

2. What can I add to the filling?
You can add tofu for a vegan option or cottage cheese for a richer taste.

3. How can I make the roll more flavorful?
Try adding spices like cumin or coriander to the filling for an extra kick.

In conclusion, the vegan roll with eggplant and dill is a versatile and flavorful recipe, perfect for a Friday meal or any occasion. Experiment and adapt the recipe to your personal preferences and enjoy the final result! Bon appétit!