Pasta Alla Norma
4

Serves 6 to 8

This traditional Sicilian dish combines pasta, eggplant, tomatoes, olives and salty ricotta salata for a light summer meal. Serve with a green salad and a bottle of pinot grigio.

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    Ingredients: 
    • 1 1/2 pound ripe plum tomatoes, cored and quartered lengthwise
    • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 eggplant (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
    • 1 cup white wine
    • 1 pound dried penne rigate pasta
    • 1/2 cup oil-cured olives, pitted, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup ricotta salata cheese, crumbled
    • 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
    • 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, torn
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    Method: 

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tomatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper; set aside. Arrange eggplant on a second large rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil, season with salt and pepper and spread out in a single layer. Roast tomatoes and eggplant, rotating trays halfway through, until tomatoes are softened and beginning to char and eggplant is browned and softened, 30 to 40 minutes; set aside.

    In a large, deep skillet, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic starts to brown, about 1 minute. Add wine and simmer until reduced by about half, 8 to 10 minutes.

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

    Add tomatoes, eggplant and olives to the garlic-wine mixture in skillet. As soon as the pasta is cooked, drain and add to skillet along with 1 or 2 tablespoons of the starchy pasta cooking water. Toss to combine well. Add ricotta salata, Pecorino Romano, basil, salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

    Nutritional Info: 
    Per Serving:540 calories (210 from fat), 24g total fat, 6g saturated fat, 20mg cholesterol, 310mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (7g dietary fiber, 8g sugar), 16g protein
    Special Diets: 

    Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember — we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.

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