Sicilian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and variety of dishes, and baked pasta alla norma is no exception. This classic dish combines the flavors of eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata cheese, and pasta in a delicious and comforting casserole. The eggplant is first fried until golden brown, then layered with the other ingredients and baked until the cheese is melted and the pasta is cooked through. Baked pasta alla norma is a perfect meal for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BAKED PASTA ALLA NORMA
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, 1/4 cup oil, and 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes in a large ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron. Season generously with salt and toss to combine. Roast, shaking skillet once or twice, until eggplant is tender and tomatoes burst, 25-35 minutes. Let vegetables cool while you prepare the pasta (watch out for the hot handle when you take the skillet out of the oven). Reduce oven temperature to 400°F.
- Whisk eggs and tomato paste in a medium bowl until smooth, then whisk in about three-quarters of Parmesan.
- Cook spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Immediately drain pasta in a colander and shake to remove excess water; transfer pasta back to pot.
- Add cooled vegetable mixture to pot with pasta. Wipe out skillet and drizzle in a little oil; roll around in skillet to coat. Add egg mixture to pasta and toss vigorously with tongs until pasta is evenly coated. Add capers and 1/2 cup basil and toss again to combine.
- Transfer pasta mixture to skillet and press gently into an even layer. Top with remaining Parmesan, a few whole basil leaves, and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Bake pasta until surface is nicely browned, 30-35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges for serving.
PASTA ALLA NORMA (BAKED PENNE WITH EGGPLANT)
Found at Tracey's Culinary Adventures adapted from Molto Italiano by Mario Batali. The success of this dish relies on the quality of the eggplant. Older, larger eggplant tend to hold bigger seed pockets and can be bitter, so look for small to medium sized eggplants, of any variety. If you cannot find ricotta salata, try a young pecorino or provolone.
Provided by Roxanne J.R.
Categories Penne
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the penne and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes less than the instructions on the package. Strain the pasta and rinse under cold water until cool.
- Put the pasta in a large bowl and toss with 1 cup of the pasta sauce.
- Meanwhile, in a 12 inch sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat until almost smoking.
- Working in batches, sauté the eggplant slices, seasoning them with salt and pepper, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil (I used cooking spray).
- Cover the bottom of the baking dish with 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce.
- Top with half the bread crumbs, then add half the pasta. Arrange half of the eggplant slices, overlapping them slightly, on top of the pasta.
- Dot about 1/4 cup of tomato sauce over the eggplant, and top with half of the pecorino and half of the basil.
- Top with the remaining pasta, arrange the remaining eggplant over the pasta, and dot with the remaining tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle with the remaining pecorino and basil, and then the remaining bread crumbs, and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Bake for 45 minutes then let stand for 10 minutes.
- Grate ricotta salata (provolone or pecorino work too!) over individual portions before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 523.2, Fat 16.5, SaturatedFat 2.4, Sodium 565.3, Carbohydrate 87.6, Fiber 15.5, Sugar 8.2, Protein 10.7
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for a flavorful sauce. Use a good quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and texture in the dish.
- Make sure the sauce is well-seasoned. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. You can add cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, to the sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or fontina.
- Serve the pasta immediately after it is cooked. It is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Conclusion:
Pasta alla Norma is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, Pasta alla Norma is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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