Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups

A fun appetizer or a hearty side dish with Italian flair

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant
3 sticks light string cheese (*use a gluten-free brand such as Trader Joe's if you are on a gluten-free diet)
6 tablespoons marinara or tomato Sauce
3- 6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Aluminum foil, cooking spray and toothpicks

Directions:

Rinse and cut the eggplant lengthwise into ¼ inch thick strips (should make about 6). Place on a heated grill (or nonstick pan) and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes each side. Set aside to cool a bit. Meanwhile rinse and chop the basil and cut each string cheese in half vertically, to make two shorter sticks. Lay the eggplant slices on a clean surface and spread one tablespoon of marinara sauce on each. Sprinkle with basil. Place one of the string cheese halves at the top of each slice and roll the eggplant around it and place a dampened toothpick through the middle to secure. Put the roll ups back on the grill or heated pan for another 3-5 minutes until warmed and the cheese is melted.

Makes 6 servings

Serving size: 1 roll up Calories 50 Protein 5 g Carb 7 g Fiber 3 g Sugars 2 g Fat 1 g Saturated fat <1 g Sodium 180 mg