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Pasta alla Norma

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Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and crumbled ricotta salata, all combined for a deliciously comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make and offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 2 medium eggplants, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta salata, crumbled (or vegan cheese for a dairy-free version)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle the eggplant cubes with salt and place in a colander to drain for 20-30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender. Remove from skillet and set aside to drain.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, along with reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in fried eggplant and toss to coat.
  6. Serve pasta topped with ricotta salata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • For a vegan version, replace ricotta salata with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or pine nuts for extra crunch.
  • To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
  • For a variation, add roasted red peppers or olives to the sauce for additional flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pasta-alla-norma-2/