UMBRIAN STYLE ARRABIATTA SAUCE

Steps:

• Put tomato puree in a heavy based pot to simmer, with the butter, ginger, and honey.
• In a small heavy saute pan, heat the oil, then add the hot chili (or paste or flakes).
• Add the garlic, sweet pepper, and tomato paste, and saute a few minutes, mashing mixture as you cook, being careful not to scorch it.
• Remove from heat and add to simmering tomatoes.
• Add oregano and basil, and taste for salt and black pepper.
• Also taste for heat quotient- if sauce isn't hot enough for your taste, add more hot chili now.
• Remember that the heat will temper a bit as the sauce cooks, and will be further diluted with the addition of the eggplant and pasta.
• Continue to simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, for 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours total cooking time.
• If using eggplant: Drain cubes after 30 minutes and rinse in colander.
• Lightly squeeze the cubes with your hands to remove moisture and pat dry with paper towel.
• Sprinkle some olive oil on your hands and toss the cubes, coating them with the oil- this initial coating helps prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil in the saute pan.
• Heat saute pan, add some oil to coat bottom, and add the whole garlic clove.
• When clove sizzles, swirl it in pan, and then add eggplant.
• Saute on high heat, tossing frequently, until golden.
• Add cooked eggplant to sauce in the final 15 minutes of cooking, along with the parlsey.
• Serve over cooked pasta.