Description
Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish made with roasted eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and topped with ricotta salata or Parmesan cheese. This simple yet flavorful recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly when adapted, making it perfect for a hearty meal or a light snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
2 medium eggplants, cut into cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
1/2 cup ricotta salata or Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant cubes in batches, turning them until golden and tender (5-7 minutes). Remove and set on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1 minute). Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the fried eggplant to the sauce. Then toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with ricotta salata (or Parmesan), and garnish with torn basil leaves. Serve immediately with optional extra cheese or basil.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the ricotta salata and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili for more heat.
- Roast the eggplant in the oven instead of frying to reduce oil if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze the sauce for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg