Eggplant Rollati Appetizer

"Be careful with this one! It's so robust and flavorful that your guests might fill themselves up on it before you have a chance to serve the main course!" Original recipe yield: 5 to 6 appetizer servings.


INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 pints ricotta cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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DIRECTIONS:
Combine basil, pine nuts, ricotta cheese, and salt and pepper to taste in medium size bowl. Place bowl in refrigerator.
Coat eggplant slices lightly with olive oil. Place in large saucepan over medium heat, apply pressure to release moisture from eggplant. Remove eggplant sliced when tender. Allow slices to cool to room temperature.
Spread a dollop of ricotta mixture over eggplant; roll up the slice of eggplant. Spoon marinara sauce over each rollati and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.