Recipe: Aubergine Rolls Filled With Basil and Cheese [edit]

Step 1

Make the tomato sauce:In a heavy skillet cook the onion in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, for 3 minutes, stir in the garlic, and cook the mixture, stirring, until the onion is softened. Add the tomatoes, the sugar, and salt to taste and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring, for 20 minutes. Force the mixture through the fine disk of a food mill set over a saucepan and cook the sauce over moderately high heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is thickened to the desired consistency.

Step 2

Make the aubergine rolls:With a hand-held slicing device or large sharp knife cut the aubergine lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Sprinkle the slices on both sides with salt and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes. In a bowl stir together the mozzarella, the goat cheese, and the shredded basil. Pat the aubergine dry, arrange one layer of it on the oiled rack of a broiler pan, and brush it with some of the oil. Broil the aubergine under a preheated broiler about 4 inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is golden. Turn the aubergine, brush it with some of the remaining oil, and broil it for 3 to 4 minutes more, or until it is golden. Transfer the aubergine to a large platter to cool and broil the remaining aubergine, brushing it with the remaining oil, in the same manner. Spread a mounded teaspoon of the cheese mixture lengthwise down the middle of each aubergine slice, leaving a 1-inch border at the wide end, and, beginning at the narrow end, roll up the aubergine jelly-roll fashion. Arrange the rolls, seam sides down, n an oiled flameproof shallow baking dish just large enough to hold them in one layer and broil them for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is just melted and bubbling.

Step 3

Transfer the aubergine rolls with a spatula to serving plates, spoon the tomato sauce over them, and garnish the rolls with the basil leaves.

Step 4

Makesabout 12 rolls.

Step 5

Serving 4 as a first course or 6 as a side dish.