Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni
This decadent Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni is the perfect Italian dish for family dinners! Filled with garlic, eggplant, ricotta, Parmesan, and topped with melty mozzarella and cup of marinara sauce, it’s a cozy and comforting favorite. Plus, it makes the best leftovers, oven it stays perfectly creamy and delicious! Serve it with a light, fruity Barbera to complete the meal.
Robo-Prep!
Robo-Prep!
Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni!
Ingredients:
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small eggplant, diced
– 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Dash of salt and pepper
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups Marinara sauce
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the garlic, eggplant, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, parsley, and salt and pepper.
3. Spread 1/4 cup of the Marinara sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
5. Spread half of the ricotta mixture into noodles.
6. Top with 1/4 cup Marinara sauce, and then top with the remaining 6 noodles.
7. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the noodles.
8. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Marinara sauce, and then top with grated mozzarella cheese.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition:
Calories: 342 kcal, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 16 g, Fat: 18 g, Saturated Fat: 11 g, Cholesterol: 59 mg, Sodium: 584 mg, Potassium: 287 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 4 g, Vitamin A: 827 IU, Vitamin C: 5 mg, Calcium: 260 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Wine Pairing:
A light, fruity Barbera pairs perfectly with this Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni.
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Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni: A Pasta Primer
History of Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni
Evolved from the classic cannelloni pasta dish, Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni was first created in the early 1800s in Italy. An early form of the dish consisted of ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices stuffed in rolled out flour pasta and baked in a tomato sauce. Variations of the dish later emerged which included sausage, spinach, and eggplant. The combination of eggplant and Ricotta cheese is believed to have first been introduced in the early 1900s in the city of Florence.
Today, Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni is truly an Italian classic and is found in Italian restaurants and home-cooked meals alike. The dish can also be found in other parts of the world, where it has been adopted into various regional cuisines.
Popularity Around the World
As a popular Italian dish, Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni is found all over the world. In Italy and throughout Europe, the dish is a staple in Italian restaurants and markets. In the United States, it is a favorite of many Italian-American households and is popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The dish is also found in Sicily, where eggplant and ricotta is a classic combination, and in Greece, where the dish is served with feta cheese instead of ricotta.
Ingredients and Variations
The traditional ingredients of Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni are eggplant, ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices, all rolled up and baked in a tomato sauce. The dish can also be made with alternative ingredients, such as sausage or spinach, as well as different types of cheese, including mozzarella and Parmesan. Other variations of the dish may also include olives, mushrooms, and a combination of ground beef and pork.
Interesting Facts
Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni has been featured in several Italian movies, including the classic Italian-American film Big Night. This dish is also mentioned in the famous novel The Godfather, as a favorite of the Corleone family. It is enjoyed by Italians and non-Italians alike and it is a dish that continues to be enjoyed today.
Conclusion
Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Popular in Italy and beyond, this dish is enjoyed in many forms, from traditional versions with eggplant, ricotta, and tomato sauce, to more creative variations with additional ingredients. Whether at the dinner table of an Italian family or in Italian restaurants all around the world, Eggplant and Ricotta Cannelloni is a dish that has stood the test of time.
