Stuffed Eggplant Rolls with Quinoa and Creamy Romesco Sauce

Savor the rich flavors and hearty textures of these Eggplant Rolls stuffed with a savory quinoa-vegetable filling and topped with a luscious pine nut romesco sauce. This plant-based dish is a delightful combination of tender eggplant, wholesome grains, and a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.

Why Choose Eggplant Rolls with Pine Nut Romesco Sauce?

This dish is a showstopper, combining the umami-rich taste of roasted eggplant with a protein-packed filling and a nutty, smoky romesco sauce. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based main course or an elegant dish for entertaining, these eggplant rolls deliver both flavor and nutrition.

Eggplant Rolls with Quinoa & Pine Nut Romesco Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggplant Rolls:

• Celery, chopped – ½ cup

• Cooked quinoa, barley, Kamut, spelt, or brown rice – 1 cup

• Red bell peppers, chopped – 1 cup

• Eggplants – 2 large, peeled and sliced lengthwise (½-inch thick)

• Baby spinach – 8 oz

• Nondairy mozzarella-style cheese – 3 oz, shredded

• No-salt-added pasta sauce – 2 cups

• Onion, chopped – 1 medium

• Garlic cloves – 4

• Carrots, chopped – 1 cup

• No-salt seasoning blend – to taste

For the Pine Nut Romesco Sauce:

• Roasted red peppers – ½ cup

• Onion, chopped – ½ cup

• Water – 2 tablespoons

• Pine nuts – 2 tablespoons

• Nutritional yeast – 2 tablespoons

• Sherry vinegar – 2 tablespoons

• Tomato, chopped – ½

• Garlic cloves, chopped – 2

• Ancho chili powder – 1 teaspoon

Health Benefits of Each Ingredient

• Eggplant: Low in calories and high in fiber, eggplant is a great source of antioxidants and supports heart health.

• Quinoa: A complete protein, quinoa is rich in fiber and essential amino acids, making it a filling, nutritious choice.

• Spinach: Packed with vitamins A and C, spinach supports immunity and overall health.

• Pine nuts: Provide healthy fats and a nutty flavor that enhances the romesco sauce.

• Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor while being a source of B vitamins and protein.

• Ancho chili powder: Adds depth and mild spice, enhancing the dish’s smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Eggplant Rolls:

1. Prepare the eggplant: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Arrange sliced eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until soft enough to roll.

2. Cook the filling: In a skillet, water-sauté chopped peppers, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender. Add spinach and no-salt seasoning, cooking until wilted.

3. Combine the filling: Mix the cooked vegetables with quinoa, 2-3 tablespoons of pasta sauce, and shredded nondairy cheese.

4. Assemble the rolls: Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a small amount of filling onto each eggplant slice, roll tightly, and arrange in the dish. Cover with the remaining pasta sauce.

5. Bake the rolls: Bake the assembled rolls for 20 minutes at 180°C.

For the Pine Nut Romesco Sauce:

1. Cook the base ingredients: Sauté onions, garlic, and chopped tomato in water until softened.

2. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the cooked base with roasted red peppers, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, sherry vinegar, and ancho chili powder. Blend until smooth.

Final Step:

Drizzle the pine nut romesco sauce over the baked eggplant rolls before serving.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for a Plant-Based Diet

• High in Nutrients: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, this dish supports overall health.

• Rich and Satisfying: The combination of creamy romesco sauce and hearty quinoa filling makes this dish indulgent yet healthy.

• Visually Stunning: Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, these rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Tips for Making the Perfect Eggplant Rolls

1. Roast for Tenderness: Baking the eggplant slices ensures they’re pliable and easy to roll.

2. Customize the Filling: Swap quinoa with your favorite whole grain, or add lentils for extra protein.

3. Enhance the Sauce: Adjust the seasoning in the romesco sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Indulge in a Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

These Eggplant Rolls with Quinoa & Pine Nut Romesco Sauce are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of wholesome, plant-based eating. Enjoy the tender textures, bold flavors, and nutrient-packed ingredients that make this dish a standout choice.

Experience the Elegance of Plant-Based Cuisine

Healthy eating can be both delicious and sophisticated. Try this recipe today and delight in a meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!