Pasta with Eggplant
Pasta with Eggplant
Penne tossed with a simple tomato sauce and golden fried eggplant, finished with basil — a close cousin of pasta alla Norma.
Prep: 15 minutes · Cook: 30 minutes
What Is Pasta with Eggplant?
A southern-Italian pasta pairing penne with a simple tomato sauce and golden fried eggplant, brightened with fresh basil — essentially a pasta alla Norma.
Why Make Pasta with Eggplant?
- Rich fried eggplant makes it hearty
- Simple tomato sauce lets the eggplant shine
- Naturally vegetarian
- A satisfying meatless main
- Classic Italian comfort
Unico Products Used in This Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 x 796 mL whole tomatoes (drained and quartered)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 eggplant (large, sliced lengthwise)
- 450 g penne rigate
- 1/2 cup basil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
- Add the quartered tomatoes, season, cover and cook until the liquid has evaporated.
- Heat the frying oil to about 350F (180C) and fry the eggplant until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Cook the penne in salted water until al dente; drain.
- Toss the pasta with the fried eggplant, tomato sauce and basil and serve at once.
Cooking Tips
- Fry the eggplant until deeply golden
- Salt the eggplant first to draw out moisture
- Cook the sauce until thick
- Add basil at the end
- Finish with grated ricotta salata or pecorino
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta with Eggplant
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1. How is this different from pasta alla Norma?
It's very similar — both pair fried eggplant with tomato and pasta; Norma is traditionally finished with ricotta salata.
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2. Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?
Yes; roast the slices in olive oil for a lighter version.
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3. What pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the chunky sauce.
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4. Is it vegetarian?
Yes; it's easily vegan without cheese.
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5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
Cooking Guides & Tips
- How to Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time
- The Mediterranean Plate: Olive Oil, Vegetables and Pasta The everyday Mediterranean formula — olive oil, seasonal vegetables and pasta — for lighter, vegetable-forward meals.
- Choosing the Right Pasta Shape for Your Sauce
Pasta with Eggplant Made Simple
Pasta with Eggplant is rich, comforting and meat-free, letting silky fried eggplant carry the dish. Unico tomatoes and penne make it simple to pull together.