Roasted Eggplant and Roasted Garlic Pasta alla Norma
Rach simplifies a wonderful classic Italian dish by using a food processor for the sauce.
by Rachael Ray | on 07/02/12
Photo credit: Lisbeth Axell
Ingredients
- 1 roasted eggplant (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 bulb roasted garlic
- 1 can San Marzano tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1/2 small red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped or a little crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
- A scant handful of flat leaf parsley leaves
- Salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 cups roasted cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 pound whole grain or whole wheat rigatoni or penne
- A couple handfuls of basil leaves
- 1 bunch arugula leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 pound chunk of ricotta salata
Serves 6
Preparation
In a food processor, combine the roasted eggplant flesh, roasted garlic, tomatoes, chili pepper, a drizzle of EVOO, salt, pepper and parsley. Puree, transfer to a saucepot and simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in the roasted cherry tomatoes.
Meanwhile, boil water for the pasta. Add salt and the pasta and cook to al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid just before draining. Toss the pasta with the sauce, using the starchy cooking liquid to thin out the sauce.
Dress the basil and arugula with a little lemon juice, EVOO, salt and pepper. Top the pasta with the greens and lots of ricotta salata before serving.
