Pasta alla Norma is a traditional Sicilian pasta dish that features eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion and brings the taste of Sicily to your table. Follow this recipe to create authentic Pasta alla Norma at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 medium eggplants, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated ricotta salata or Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preparing the Eggplant:
- Salt the Eggplant:
- Place the diced eggplant in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the eggplant under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Eggplant:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and cook until golden brown and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Cook the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, along with the red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine with Eggplant:
- Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Preparing the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Assembling the Dish:
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the eggplant and tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add Fresh Basil:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Pasta alla Norma to serving plates. Sprinkle with grated ricotta salata or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pasta alla Norma is a delightful and flavorful Sicilian pasta dish that combines tender eggplant with a rich tomato sauce and savory cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish brings the authentic taste of Sicily to your table. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe. Buon appetito!