- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
- 7 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (1 1/4 pound) eggplant
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Make sauce: Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in 1 tablespoon oil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Grill eggplant while sauce cooks: Heat grill pan over high heat until hot.
- Peel 2-inch-wide strips of skin from opposite sides of eggplant and discard. Holding a knife parallel to a peeled side, cut eggplant lengthwise into 8 (1/3-inch-thick) slices. Brush both sides of slices with 3 tablespoons oil (total), then season with salt and pepper.
- Grill slices in batches, turning over once and brushing grilled sides with some of remaining oil, until golden brown and tender, about 4 minutes, then transfer to a tray.
- Assemble eggplant rolls: Stir together cheeses, 2 tablespoons basil, pepper, and remaining salt. Divide cheese mixture among slices (3 to 4 tablespoons per slice), leaving an 1/8-inch border along edge. Roll up each slice, beginning with a short end, and serve rolls topped with sauce and sprinkled with remaining basil.