Pasta Alla Norma
This is a simplified version of a classic Sicilian recipe. Ricotta salata is a sheep’s milk cheese that’s used in Sicilian pasta dishes the way Parmigiano-Reggiano is used elsewhere in Italy. If you can’t find ricotta salata, substitute crumbled or diced feta cheese. Mezzi rigatoni is a half-length version of…
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This is a simplified version of a classic Sicilian recipe. Ricotta salata is a sheep’s milk cheese that’s used in Sicilian pasta dishes the way Parmigiano-Reggiano is used elsewhere in Italy. If you can’t find ricotta salata, substitute crumbled or diced feta cheese. Mezzi rigatoni is a half-length version of traditional rigatoni.
Ingredients
- 6 baby eggplants or 2 Japanese eggplants, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (4 cups)
- 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
- 12 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced (2/3 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
- 8 oz. mezzi rigatoni or penne pasta
- 3 oz. ricotta salata, crumbled (3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss eggplants with 1 Tbs. oil on baking sheet. Roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender, turning halfway through.
2. Heat remaining 1 Tbs. oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes, onion, and garlic, and cook 8 minutes, or until tomatoes are juicy.
3. Cook mezzi rigatoni according to package directions. Drain, and toss in pot with eggplants, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve garnished with basil.
Nutrition Information
- Calories 261
- Carbohydrate Content 36 g
- Cholesterol Content 15 mg
- Fat Content 10 g
- Fiber Content 4 g
- Protein Content 9 g
- Saturated Fat Content 4 g
- Sodium Content 183 mg
- Sugar Content 6 g