Lunch: Eggplant and Zucchini Roll Ups

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Basil

Health and fertility benefits of Eggplant and Zucchini Roll Ups

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

2 medium firm zucchini
1 medium firm eggplant
All natural olive oil cooking spray
Sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley tops, chopped
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, pasted or grated
1 fresh chile, such as Fresno, seeded and finely chopped
A few grates whole nutmeg
A handful fresh basil leaves, torn or shredded
3 cups passata or tomato sauce
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Slice the zucchini and eggplant into thin planks lengthwise. Spray the eggplant and zucchini evenly on both sides with the cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender and brown, about 20 minutes. Cool to handle.
Lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of the Parm, all but a few tablespoons of the mint and parsley, egg yolks, garlic, chiles, a few grates of nutmeg and some salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing onto each plank of eggplant or zucchini and roll up. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish and top with a few pieces of torn basil, then cover evenly with passata or tomato sauce.
Melt the butter in a small skillet, remove from the heat and toss with the panko, remaining Parm and remaining parsley and mint. For a make-ahead meal, store the breadcrumb mix in an airtight container and the roll ups in the fridge or freezer. Scatter the topping over the top of the dish. Bake from room temperature at 375 degrees F, until golden and bubbly.

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