Eggplant Rolls with Feta Cheese

This delightful recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy and savory flavors packed into delightful rolls. Eggplants, known for their rich and meaty texture, pair beautifully with the tangy feta cheese to create a delectable appetizer or side dish. The preparation involves simple, yet flavor-enhancing steps, ensuring a dish that will leave a lasting impression. This recipe is ideal for family gatherings, parties, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Salting the eggplants removes their inherent bitterness, revealing their true taste potential. The addition of garlic to the feta mixture introduces a hint of spice, while the cream provides smoothness and richness to the dish. Once you taste the final result, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and elegance of these rolls. People who enjoy Mediterranean flavors will find this dish particularly appealing. Dive into this recipe, and explore an enticing world of flavors!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

3 large eggplants
200 g feta cheese
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon sour cream
Salt
Oil for frying

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Eggplants: Slice the eggplants into approximately 3 mm thick slices. Lightly sprinkle them with salt and place them on paper towels to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Pat them dry with a fresh towel before cooking.
Prepare the Feta Mixture: Finely chop or press the garlic clove and combine it with the crumbled feta cheese and sour cream in a bowl. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Fry the Eggplants: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil. Once hot, fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown on each side. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Assemble the Rolls: Once the eggplant slices are ready, lay them out on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the feta and garlic mixture over each slice.
Roll the Eggplants: Gently roll each slice from one end to the other to form neat rolls. Secure them with a toothpick if necessary.
Serve: Arrange the rolls on a serving plate. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Tips

Substitute feta: If you prefer a milder cheese, try using ricotta or goat cheese.
Vegan option: Use tofu and a vegan sour cream for a plant-based alternative.
Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or parsley for added aroma.

Nutritions

Calories: 180 per serving
Protein: 5 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbs: 8 g

Variations

Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the feta mix for a spicy kick.
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pine nuts inside the rolls for a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pita bread and hummus as a part of a mezze platter.
Pair with a light salad and lemon wedge for a refreshing accompaniment.

Best Places

Efendy Restaurant - A chic Mediterranean eatery known for its exquisite eggplant dishes. Location: 79 Elliot Street, Balmain, Sydney, Australia.
Oia Restaurant - Offers a beautiful seaside dining experience with a focus on traditional Greek flavors. Location: Main Street, Oia, Santorini, Greece.
The Lebanese Bakery - Famous for its savory pies and eggplant rolls. Location: Lodhi Road, New Delhi, India.
Fresko Yogurt Bar - A spot for Greek yogurt and light Mediterranean snacks. Location: Adrianou 65, Athens, Greece.
Café Arabica - Offers a diverse Middle Eastern menu with unique eggplant creations. Location: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar.
Momotaro - Renowned for Japanese fusion with Mediterranean flair. Location: 820 W Lake Street, Chicago, USA.
El Asador de Aranda - Known for its roasted Mediterranean specialties. Location: Calle Preciados, Madrid, Spain.
Zahav - Offers a modern Israeli take on traditional dishes. Location: 237 St James Place, Philadelphia, USA.
NENI Berlin - An innovative eatery serving Mediterranean street food. Location: Budapester Str. 40, Berlin, Germany.
Comptoir Libanais - A vibrant café serving hearty Lebanese fare. Location: Westfield Shopping Centre, London, UK.