Eggplant Cannelloni with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Eggplant rolls stuffed with this spinach, ricotta and fresh herb filling are quite delicious and full of flavor ( 4 Servings -- Low-fat).

1 Tbs. olive oil
10 plum tomatoes
1 small onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1 large eggplant
10-oz. pkg. frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
2 Tbs. chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano and parsley
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Slice tomatoes lengthwise. Scrape out seeds with knife tip and discard seeds. Lay tomato halves cut side down on baking sheet. Scatter onion slices and garlic among tomatoes; sprinkle with black pepper to taste.

2. Trim ends off eggplant and cut lengthwise into 8 slices. Lightly coat second baking sheet with cooking spray. Lay eggplant slices on sheet, overlapping slightly to fit. Coat eggplant slices lightly with cooking spray. Place both baking sheets in oven. Roast until eggplant slices are soft, and tomatoes puff and start to brown, about 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix spinach, ricotta or cottage cheese, egg whites and herbs. When vegetables are done, remove from oven; reduce heat to 350°F. With tongs, pull skins off tomatoes and discard skins. Scrape tomatoes, onion, garlic and pan juices into food processor and process until a chunky sauce forms.

4. Spoon 1 cup sauce into bottom of 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Place about 1/3 cup spinach-ricotta mixture on one eggplant slice; roll up from small end, and place seam side down in baking pan. Repeat with remaining slices, using all the filling. Top eggplant rolls with remaining tomato sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and casserole is hot, about 25 minutes.

Eggplant Cannelloni with Roasted Tomato Sauce 01-FEB-02 48