Breaded Eggplant Rollatini

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Place eggplant slices in a large dish and cover with salted water. Let soak, about 15 minutes. Drain and cover with milk.

3 . Stage

Combine flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large resealable plastic bag.

4 . Stage

Beat eggs lightly in a shallow bowl that is long enough for the eggplant slices to fit in.

5 . Stage

Combine panko, remaining 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in another large resealable plastic bag.

6 . Stage

Place 1 slice eggplant in flour mixture, shaking to coat. Dip in egg. Transfer to bag with panko mixture, shaking to coat. Repeat with remaining slices.

7 . Stage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Cook coated eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining eggplant, adding oil as needed.

8 . Stage

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, 2 teaspoons pepper, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and poultry seasoning. Reduce heat to low and cover; cook sauce, stirring occasionally, until flavors combine, 10 to 15 minutes.

9 . Stage

Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper together gently in a bowl to make filling.

10 . Stage

Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling over each eggplant slice. Roll slices into logs and arrange in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Pour tomato sauce evenly on top.

11 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until sauce is bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.