Lasagne Arrotolate con Melanzane Fritte

**Lasagne Arrotolate con Melanzane Fritte** (Rolled Lasagne with Fried Eggplant) is a traditional Southern Italian pasta dish from the Salento region of Puglia, representing a creative departure from the classic layered lasagne format. Rather than stacking sheets, individual lasagne noodles are rolled around a filling, creating elegant, individually plated portions that showcase the dish’s vibrant layers.

The dish centers on tender lasagne sheets wrapped around fried eggplant (*melanzane fritte*), typically combined with ragù, béchamel sauce, and cheese. The eggplant is sliced, fried until golden, and incorporated into the filling before rolling. The assembled rolls are baked until the pasta is tender and the top develops a golden crust. A great version balances the richness of the béchamel and ragù with the smoky, tender eggplant, ensuring each bite is cohesive and not overly heavy.

While most prevalent in Puglia, variations exist throughout Southern Italy. Some preparations add zucchini or peppers, while others keep eggplant as the sole vegetable. The dish is notably prepared at **Cibus** in Ceglie Messapica, Italy, where it represents the restaurant’s interpretation of traditional Puglian cuisine, as highlighted by *So Hungry Italy*.