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Pasta alla Norma

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    Ingredients:

    • 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)

    • 2 medium eggplants, cut into ½-inch cubes

    • 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)

    • 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 can (14 oz or 400g) crushed tomatoes

    • 1 tsp dried oregano

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

    • ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)

    • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

    Instructions:

    Prepare the Eggplant:

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    1. Salt the Eggplant: Place the cubed eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

    Cook the Pasta:

    2. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

    Cook the Eggplant:

    3. Sauté the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant cubes and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.

    Make the Sauce:

    4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and oregano, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

    5. Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed eggplant to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

    Combine Pasta and Sauce:

    6. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

    Serve:

    7. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves, dollops of ricotta cheese (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese.

    Enjoy your delicious Pasta alla Norma! This Sicilian classic is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the rich taste of eggplant and a comforting tomato sauce.

     

     

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