Pasta Alla Norma….Pasta Tossed With Fresh Tomato Sauce, Flavor

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 3
Pasta Alla Norma - A Classic Dish from Southern Italy
in Pasta

Prep

15 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

1h 5min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3/4 cup olive oil
5 garlic cloves , with skins
1 teaspoon tuscany seasoning
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 medium onion , sliced
1 can good quality italian imported crushed tomatoes
3 inches sprig fresh basil
1 large eggplant
1 lb rigatoni pasta or 1 lb your favorite pasta
1/2 cup grated ricotta salata or 1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
609
Sugar
7g
Fat
43g
Pasta alla Norma is a traditional dish from the island of Sicily in southern Italy. It is named after the opera 'Norma' by the composer Vincenzo Bellini, and is said to be one of his favorite dishes. The classic recipe calls for fried eggplant, but this version roasts the eggplant to make it healthier and easier to prepare. The pasta is tossed with a simple and delicious tomato sauce flavored with garlic, onion, and basil. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of grated ricotta salata or pecorino romano cheese, which gives it a salty and tangy flavor. Pasta alla Norma is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to enjoy the flavors of southern Italy.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and put a large pot of water on to boil.
2.Cut the eggplant into small cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
3.In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil until shimmering. Add garlic, tuscany seasoning, red pepper flakes, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
4.Add the canned tomatoes, fresh basil sprig, and salt to taste. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until it has thickened.
5.Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
6.When the pasta is done, drain it and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Add the reserved pasta water to the tomato sauce, then add the cooked pasta and roasted eggplant cubes. Stir to combine and heat through.
7.Serve hot, topped with grated ricotta salata or pecorino romano cheese.

PROS

Pasta alla Norma is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Eggplants are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can help improve overall health.

The dish is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese.

CONS

The dish is relatively high in calories and fat due to the oil used in the recipe.

It can also be high in sodium if too much salt is added to the tomato sauce.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplants, the main ingredient in this dish, are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They are low in calories and can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support heart and brain health.
The tomatoes in the sauce are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and have been linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

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