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Savoury Vegan Eggplant Rollatini: A Plant-Based Delight

If you’re searching for a delectable vegan dish that impresses at dinner parties or simply a comforting meal to enjoy at home, look no further than Vegan Eggplant Rollatini. This Italian-inspired dish offers a satisfying experience with its layers of flavour and creamy, plant-based filling, wrapped in tender eggplant slices. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also a nutritious option that will appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.

The Star Ingredient: Eggplant

Eggplant, or aubergine as it’s known in the UK, serves as the perfect base for this recipe. With its subtly smoky flavour and meaty texture, it adds depth and richness to the dish. Rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, eggplant is a healthy choice that complements the creamy filling and tangy sauce.

The Creamy Filling

Traditionally, Rollatini is stuffed with ricotta cheese, but in this vegan version, we use a blend of creamy cashews, nutritional yeast, and fresh herbs to create a wonderfully rich filling. Nutritional yeast not only adds a cheesy flavour but is also packed with B vitamins, making the filling both nutritious and delicious.

Tomato Sauce: The Finishing Touch

A classic marinara sauce ties the dish together, offering a tangy contrast to the rich filling. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, a good-quality tomato sauce is essential. For added depth, consider simmering the sauce with garlic, onions, and a hint of red wine.

Ingredients

For the Eggplant:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 200g cashew nuts (soaked in water for at least 4 hours)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of half a lemon
• Fresh basil (handful)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lay the sliced eggplant on a baking tray, brush lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden. This will help reduce moisture and enhance the flavour.

2. Make the Filling:
   In a food processor, combine the soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash of water to achieve a spreadable consistency.

3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
   In a saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.

4. Assemble the Rollatini:
   On a clean surface, lay out a slice of baked eggplant. Spoon a generous amount of the cashew filling onto one end and carefully roll it up, securing the filling inside. Repeat the process with the remaining slices.

5. Bake:
   Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled eggplant rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each rollatini is generously coated. Bake the dish in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.

6. Serve:
   Remove the Vegan Eggplant Rollatini from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavour. Pair with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Vegan Eggplant Rollatini is a beautiful dish that showcases the versatility of plant-based cooking. With its rich filling, smoky eggplant, and tangy marinara sauce, it encapsulates the joy of Italian cuisine while keeping it entirely vegan. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or enjoy it quietly at home, this recipe promises to delight palates and inspire new culinary adventures. So grab your apron and get rolling—your taste buds will thank you!