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A vibrant bowl of Pasta alla Norma featuring tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and grated ricotta salata.

Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant)

This classic Sicilian pasta dish features tender eggplant fried to perfection, tossed with al dente pasta and a rich tomato sauce, then topped with salty ricotta salata.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 medium eggplant
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 0.5 cup olive oil for frying
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 0.5 cup ricotta salata grated

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat them dry.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the eggplant slices until golden brown and tender, working in batches if necessary, then set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Sauce and Pasta
  1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the tomato sauce along with the fresh basil and fried eggplant slices; toss gently to combine.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, garnished generously with grated ricotta salata.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the sauce if crushed tomatoes are not available. Salting the eggplant is crucial for removing bitterness and ensuring a tender texture. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the eggplant to ensure even browning.