Calabrian Spicy Eggplant and Tomato Pasta (Pasta alla Norma)
Dive into the fiery depths of Calabrian cuisine with this spicy twist on the classic Pasta alla Norma. Luscious eggplants merge with a rich tomato sauce, enlivened by a generous kick of Calabrian chili, for a dish that promises to transport your palate straight to the heart of Southern Italy.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- Large pot for pasta
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 lb/450g) cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Calabrian chili finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste)
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound (450g) pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ricotta salata grated
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed eggplant with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
- While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and Calabrian chili until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and oregano to the skillet, along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Add the roasted eggplant to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the eggplant and tomato sauce until well coated. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated ricotta salata and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For a vegan version, omit the ricotta salata or substitute with a vegan cheese.
Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili to suit your spice preference.
If Calabrian chili is unavailable, red pepper flakes make a good substitute.