Eggplant Roll-Ups

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cut eggplant lengthwise into 18 1/4-in.-thick slices, reserving leftover pieces. Line two baking sheets with foil. Coat both sides of eggplant with cooking spray; place in a single layer on prepared pans. Sprinkle eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake until just pliable (do not soften completely), 10-12 minutes; cool slightly.
• 2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add spinach; cover and boil 2-3 minutes or until wilted. Drain spinach and squeeze dry. Chop spinach and set aside.
• 3. Finely chop leftover eggplant to measure 1 cup (discard remaining or save for another use). In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped eggplant; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, puree, basil, sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until flavors are blended.
• 4. Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine filling ingredients and spinach. Place a rounded tablespoon of filling on the wide end of each eggplant slice; carefully roll up. Place roll-ups over sauce, seam side down. Top with 1-1/2 cups sauce. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; sprinkle over top. Bake until heated through and bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce and, if desired, sprinkle with parsley.