Aubergine rolls filled with vanilla ricotta

Auberginenröllchen gefüllt mit Vanille-Ricotta

Aubergine rolls filled with vanilla ricotta

Introduction

In the culinary world, it is often the unexpected combinations that enchant the taste buds the most. One such recipe that surprises and delights at the same time is the aubergine rolls stuffed with vanilla ricotta. At first glance, it might seem unusual for some to use vanilla—an aroma often associated with sweet treats—in a savory dish. But this is exactly where the charm of this special recipe lies.

Aubergine, with its mild, earthy flavor, serves as the perfect canvas for the subtle sweetness of vanilla, which when paired with creamy ricotta creates a palate experience that's equally rich and refreshing. The key to this harmonious interplay lies in the quality of the ingredients. The deep, aromatic note of premium vanilla takes the ricotta to a whole new level, while the aubergine keeps things grounded and not overly sweet.

For anyone who wants to surprise their guests with an innovative dish or is just curious about how vanilla can work in savory cuisine, these aubergine rolls are an absolute must. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will redefine your definition of "flavor pairing".

The main ingredients in detail

aubergine

The aubergine, also known as aubergine or eggplant, is a deep purple colored vegetable that originated in South Asia. It belongs to the nightshade family and shares the family with other well-known plants such as tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. Eggplant's flesh is creamy and spongy, making it an ideal ingredient for fillings and rolls.

In addition to its unique taste, eggplant is also known for its health benefits. It's high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and contains antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals. Its skin-protecting properties also make it a favorite in the beauty industry.

The ideal for this recipe is to use medium-sized eggplants that are firm and smooth. This ensures even cooking and better rolling.

Vanilla

Vanilla is far more than just a sweet flavor enhancer. It is a true wonder of nature, obtained from the fermented pods of a species of orchid. Originally from Mexico, it is now cultivated in many tropical regions.

What is special about high-quality vanilla is its complexity. There are over 200 aromatic compounds in real vanilla that combine to create a bouquet that is both sweet and tangy. When choosing between Planifolia vanilla beans , Tahitensis vanilla beans , Planifolia vanilla extract and Tahitensis vanilla extract , you should always pay attention to quality and origin. For our recipe we recommend the vanilla extract for a more intense aroma.

ricotta

Ricotta is an Italian fresh cheese made from whey left over from the manufacturing process of other cheeses. Unlike many other cheeses that are made from curds, ricotta is made from the proteins that remain in the whey. This gives it its characteristic creamy consistency and mild taste.

Ricotta is not only delicious, but also nutritious. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium and also contains essential amino acids. This makes it an ideal ingredient for people who want to eat healthily.

For our aubergine rolls, ricotta is the main filling and its creamy texture harmonises perfectly with the tangy aroma of vanilla. It's worth investing in high-quality, full-fat ricotta, as it makes the rolls juicier and tastier.

The recipe: Aubergine rolls filled with vanilla ricotta

a. ingredient list

For the aubergine rolls:

  • Aubergines: 3 large aubergines, fresh and firm to the touch, cut lengthways into even, thin slices. The eggplant serves as the basis for our rolls and should be of the best quality.

  • Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. This is used to coat the eggplant slices before they are grilled and gives them a deliciously smoky flavor.

  • Salt & Pepper: To taste, ideally coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

For the vanilla ricotta filling:

  • Ricotta: 500g fresh ricotta cheese. This creamy cheese serves as the basis for our filling and gives the rolls their velvety texture.

  • Vanilla: 2 Planifolia vanilla beans or 2 tsp Planifolia vanilla extract . The vanilla gives the filling a sweet and aromatic note that harmonises perfectly with the tartness of the aubergine.

  • Lemon zest: Zest of 1 organic lemon. The lemon peel gives the filling a refreshing citrus note.

  • Pine nuts: 3 tbsp, lightly toasted. These add a crunchy bite and nutty flavor.

For the garnish:

  • Basil: Fresh leaves from 1 bunch of basil. This herb gives the rolls a refreshing and aromatic note.

  • Balsamic Reduction: Optional, for drizzling. This sweet and sour reduction perfectly complements the rolls.

When choosing your ingredients, it is important to look for quality and freshness. This ensures that your aubergine rolls not only impress visually, but also tastefully.

b. Preparation and preparation instructions

Preparing the eggplant:

  1. Prepare Eggplants: Start with the eggplants. Wash them thoroughly and trim the ends. Using a sharp knife, cut the aubergines lengthways into evenly thin slices (about 0.5 cm thick). Put them aside.

  2. Desalting: Lightly sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and leave to rest for about 15 minutes. This step will help draw excess water out of the eggplants and minimize their slightly bitter taste. After 15 minutes, blot up the spilled water with a paper towel.

  3. Grill Prep: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. If you use an oven, you can also grill the aubergine slices at high temperature.

Preparation of the vanilla ricotta filling:

  1. Prepare the ricotta: In a large bowl, lightly mash the ricotta with a spoon or fork until it has a smooth consistency.

  2. Add vanilla: If using the planifolia vanilla pod , cut the pod lengthwise and scrape out the vanilla pulp. Add this pulp (or the planifolia vanilla extract , if you're using that) to the ricotta mixture.

  3. Additional ingredients: Mix the lemon zest and lightly toasted pine nuts into the ricotta. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

Grilling the aubergines:

  1. Brush: Brush each eggplant slice lightly with olive oil on both sides.

  2. Grilling: Place the eggplant slices on the preheated grill or in the grill pan. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes or until they have nice grill marks and are tender, but not too soft or they may tear while rolling.

Fill and roll:

  1. Top eggplant slices: Take a grilled eggplant slice and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the vanilla ricotta mixture on one end of the slice.

  2. Rolling: Carefully roll the eggplant slice around the filling, similar to a roulade recipe. Make sure the rolls are tight but not too tight. Place the finished roll, seam side down, on a serving platter.

c. Arranging and serving

serving:

Serving food is not only an art, but also an opportunity to enhance flavor through visual appeal. With Vanilla Ricotta Eggplant Rolls, presentation plays a key role in bringing out the flavor and texture of each bite.

  1. Choose a platter: Use a large, flat serving platter that emphasizes the color and shape of the rolls. A white or light background really makes the dark aubergine and creamy ricotta filling stand out.

  2. Arrangement: Place the eggplant rolls, seam-side down, side by side on the plate so that they are stable. Leave enough space between the rolls to emphasize the individual beauty of the rolls.

Serve:

  1. Garnish: Crumble extra ricotta over the rolls and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts. If desired, you can also drizzle over a few drops of a good quality balsamic reducing agent to add sweetness and acidity.

  2. Accompaniment: Serve the eggplant rolls with crusty baguette or ciabatta to balance the creaminess of the ricotta filling. A fresh, green salad with a simple lemon-vanilla vinaigrette dressing is also a great addition.

  3. Drinks: A glass of dry white wine or a light rosé go perfectly with the delicate flavors of the aubergine rolls.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the freshness and quality of the ingredients, especially the choice of vanilla bean or vanilla extract , are crucial to the success of this dish. Bon appetit!

recipe variations

The versatility of the aubergine rolls with vanilla ricotta allows for numerous variations that are worth trying. Here are some ideas to further refine this already impressive dish or customize it to personal preferences:

  1. Goat cheese and vanilla filling: Instead of ricotta, you can use a mixture of soft goat cheese and vanilla. The slightly lemony flavor of the goat's cheese combined with the sweetness of the vanilla bean makes for an interesting flavor combination that's both savory and sweet.

  2. Eggplant Rolls with Spinach and Vanilla: Add blanched spinach to your ricotta filling. The spinach adds a nice color and extra texture to the dish, while the vanilla complements the earthiness of the spinach.

  3. Aubergine rolls with vanilla pumpkin filling: In the autumn season you can supplement the recipe with a pumpkin filling. Mix together pureed pumpkin, ricotta, vanilla extract and spices for a warm and cozy twist on the original recipe.

  4. Tomato Vanilla Sauce: Make a simple tomato sauce with tomato passata, olive oil, garlic, salt and a dash of vanilla extract . The sauce enhances the flavor of the aubergine rolls and provides an extra layer of flavor.

  5. Aubergine Rolls Gratin: After placing the rolls on a baking sheet, sprinkle with grated mozzarella and bake until cheese is golden and bubbly. This gives the dish a crispy crust and makes it even more filling.

The idea with these variations is to keep the core ingredients while experimenting with additional flavors and textures to get the most out of every bite.

Pairing Recommendations

When you're serving a dish like the eggplant rolls with vanilla ricotta, you want to make sure that the accompanying elements of the menu, be it wine, appetizer or dessert, complement the main course rather than overwhelm it. Here are some thoughtful recommendations:

1. Drink Pairings:

  • White Wine: A medium-bodied white wine like a pinot grigio or chardonnay can complement the creaminess of the ricotta while bringing out the sweetness of the vanilla. The slightly acidic taste of these wines can balance the heaviness of the cheese and bring out the subtle flavors of the eggplant.

  • Red wine: A lighter red wine like a pinot noir, with its fruity notes, can complement the heartiness of the eggplant and sweetness of the vanilla.

  • Herbal Tea: For those who prefer no alcohol, a fresh herbal tea like basil or mint can be a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the dish.

2. Appetizer Pairings:

  • Vanilla Squash Soup: Start your meal with a smooth squash soup enhanced with a hint of vanilla extract . This provides a nice introduction to the main course and continues the vanilla theme.

  • Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with fresh leafy greens, nuts, and a lemony dressing can serve as a counterpoint to the rich flavors of the rolls.

3. Dessert Pairings:

  • Vanilla Panna Cotta: A creamy dessert that complements the vanilla notes in the main course without being too heavy.

  • Frozen Yoghurt with Vanilla and Berries: A light and refreshing option that combines the sweetness and acidity of berries with the smooth aroma of vanilla .

  • Vanilla Lemon Tart: A crunchy biscuit base filled with a citrus-rich vanilla cream can complete the menu perfectly.

In conclusion, pairings are a wonderful way to increase the enjoyment of an already impressive dish. With the right combinations of appetizers, drinks, and desserts, one can bring out the flavors and textures of the main course and create an all-around satisfying dining experience.