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A vibrant bowl of Pasta alla Norma featuring tender eggplant and rich tomato sauce.

Proven way to grow 4 Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant)

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish featuring pasta with a rich tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and salty ricotta salata cheese. This proven method ensures a delicious and authentic result every time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant
  • 2 medium eggplant about 1.5 lbs / 700g
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 0.5 cup olive oil for frying
For the Sauce
  • 28 ounce canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 0.5 cup ricotta salata cheese grated, for serving
Garnish
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Grater

Method
 

Prepare the Eggplant
  1. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a separate pot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes and chopped basil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
Combine and Serve
  1. Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and half of the fried eggplant.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining eggplant, grated ricotta salata, and fresh basil.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can roast the eggplant instead of frying it. Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the sauce for your preferred level of spice.