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Aubergine pasta
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Pasta alla Norma, a cherished Italian dish, features aubergine in a delightful tomato sauce and is a fantastic vegetarian main course. This dish comes from the renowned Italian opera and promises to evoke a melodic sensation on your palate. Transport your senses to the picturesque hillsides of Mount Etna as you savour succulent roasted aubergine immersed in a lusciously sweet tomato sauce.
25 May, 2023
serves for
4
total time
0
HR
55
MIN
ingredients
Aubergines
Aubergine
2 medium-sized globe
Olive oil
1 tbsp (15ml)
Garlic powder
½ tsp (0.5g)
Freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp (0.9g)
Fine salt
to taste
Other ingredients
Pasta
14oz (400g)
Basil
¼ cup (4g), leaves, chopped
Marinara sauce
2 ¾ cups (600g)
Water
¼ cup (60ml)
Italian seasoning
1 tsp (1.6g)
Dried red chillis
½ tsp (1.2g)
Olive oil
1 tbsp (15ml)
Onion
1, finely chopped
Garlic cloves
3, finely chopped
Method
Step 01
Rinse the aubergines and cut them into approximately 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes.
Step 02
Place the aubergine cubes in a bowl and add salt, pepper, garlic powder and olive oil. Mix everything together. Spread the cubes evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 03
Place the tray in a preheated oven set to 425°F (220°C) and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the cubes are golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
Step 04
In a pot, heat some oil. Sauté the garlic for a few seconds, then add the onion and continue sautéing until it becomes translucent.
Step 05
Add the marinara sauce to the pot. Take the sauce jar and add approximately ¼ cup (60ml) of water, then close the lid and shake it. Pour this water into the pot.
Step 06
Add Italian seasoning and chilli flakes to the sauce. If necessary, add salt to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for around 2 minutes.
Step 07
While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta al dente.
Step 08
Mix the roasted aubergines into the sauce.
Step 09
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and thoroughly combine everything.
Step 10
Garnish with freshly chopped basil.
Tips
- Slice the aubergine into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cut the aubergine into slightly larger pieces than the desired final size, as they will reduce in size during the roasting process.
- Avoid overcooking the aubergine, as excessive cooking will cause it to lose shape and become too soft, compromising the dish's quality.
How to serve it
Aubergine pasta is a hearty dish, brimming with an abundance of vegetables, so you don't need anything on the side. However, if you want, you can opt for a fresh salad or some fragrant garlic bread to complement the dish.
