Eggplant Roll Ups

If your an eggplant fan, then this just might be your new favorite dish. I love the soft tender eggplant, mixed with the creamy ricotta and then the light crunch of the panko... It's just heavenly. Try it for yourself, they are also fun to make and even better to eat.

Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (light)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- crushed red pepper flakes
- oregano
- bunch of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups panko crumbs
- Liz's Ultimate Sauce Recipe

To Make:
First, saute the onions, garlic and sundried tomatoes together until tender. In a large bowl, mix together with the parmesan cheese and the ricotta cheese. Add 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper, 1/2 tsp of oregano, 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder. Mix together. Then add in  a handful of fresh chopped basil.

In a large pan, coat with olive oil and heat on medium heat. Slice the eggplant into long 1/4 inch thick strips and saute in the olive oil until soft. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on both sides then remove from heat and cool.

Next, spread a thick layer of the cheese onto one side of the eggplant and roll up. Continue with all of the strips.

Last, sprinkle the panko onto a flat surface. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Coat the eggplant roll ups with the panko. Lastly, Grill the roll ups on all sides until golden brown.

Serve with my ultimate sauce or any other tomato sauce and top with fresh basil. ENJOY!