Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta Alla Norma is a quintessential Sicilian dish that showcases the best flavors of Italy. This classic recipe combines rich tomato sauce, creamy eggplant, fragrant basil, and salty ricotta salata cheese for a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests, Pasta Alla Norma is a delicious way to bring a taste of Italy to your table.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by salting the eggplant: Place the cubed eggplant in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse the eggplant well and pat dry with paper towels.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant cubes in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
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While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Add the cooked eggplant to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Gently toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Serve the Pasta Alla Norma hot, garnished with torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkling of grated ricotta salata cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving- Calories
- 480 kcal
- Total Fat
- 16 g
- Saturated Fat
- 4 g
- Cholesterol
- 10 mg
- Sodium
- 580 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 75 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 8 g
- Sugars
- 10 g
- Protein
- 12 g
Pasta Alla Norma is a traditional Italian dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The combination of tender eggplant, flavorful tomato sauce, and aromatic basil creates a dish that is both elegant and comforting. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or simply craving a taste of Italy, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Buon appetito!