Description
Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish featuring tender eggplant cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce, combined with ziti pasta and topped with shredded ricotta salata cheese. This hearty and comforting meal takes about 40 minutes to prepare and serves 8 people, delivering authentic Mediterranean flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Eggplant and Sauce
- 1 large eggplant, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) Italian crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound ziti
- Shredded ricotta salata cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Brown the eggplant: In batches, heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cubed eggplant and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the eggplant with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same Dutch oven with the remaining oil, add the chopped onion and sauté until tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in fresh basil, oregano, salt, and optionally sugar and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the pasta and finish the dish: Meanwhile, cook the ziti according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the tomato sauce along with the browned eggplant. Toss well to coat the pasta and eggplant evenly with the sauce. Serve portions into bowls and sprinkle each with shredded ricotta salata cheese.
Notes
- To reduce bitterness, you can salt the eggplant cubes and let them sit for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.
- Ricotta salata cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano if unavailable.
- The optional sugar helps balance acidity in the tomato sauce depending on the tomato brand used.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spice.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
