Pasta Alla Norma
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
Pasta Alla Norma is a delightful Italian dish that brings together the rich flavors of eggplant and tomatoes in a comforting pasta meal. The process begins with frying the eggplant until it’s golden and tender, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. While some might opt to bake the eggplant for a lighter version, frying truly captures the essence of this classic dish.
The sauce is simple yet satisfying, made with garlic and canned cherry tomatoes, simmered to perfection. The addition of fresh basil and a generous seasoning of salt elevates the dish, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. As the pasta cooks, it’s essential to keep the water well-salted, which enhances the overall taste of the meal.
Once the pasta is al dente, it’s combined with the sauce and eggplant, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The final touch is crumbling ricotta salata over the top, which adds a creamy, salty element that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to showcase seasonal ingredients, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or just looking for a new pasta recipe to try, Pasta Alla Norma is sure to impress. It’s comforting, delicious, and a wonderful representation of Italian cuisine that you can enjoy any time of the year.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Chop the eggplant into little cubes.
Fry the eggplant in extra light olive oil until golden on all sides.
Tip: Baking eggplant at 425°F for 20 minutes is a great alternative to frying.
Tip: Salting eggplant is not necessary; frying it without salt works well.
Add extra virgin olive oil and garlic to the skillet.
Add a 14 oz can of cherry tomatoes and half a cup of water to the skillet.
Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Use good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Add pasta to boiling salted water.
Tip: Make sure your pasta water is well salted for better seasoning.
Add the fried eggplant to the sauce and cook for a couple of minutes.
Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
Stir the pasta and sauce together.
Tip: You can make extra sauce if you prefer your pasta saucier.
Crumble homemade ricotta salata into the pasta.
Tip: Crumbling ricotta salata into the pasta adds delicious salty bites.
Give everything a good stir and serve.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Pasta Alla Norma is a traditional Sicilian dish that highlights the flavors of eggplant and tomatoes.
- •Frying the eggplant enhances its flavor and texture, making it a key component of the dish.
- •Ricotta salata is a salted, aged version of ricotta cheese that adds a unique flavor to the dish.
- •Using high-quality canned tomatoes can significantly improve the taste of the sauce.
