Pasta alla Norma is a delightful Sicilian dish that harmonizes tender eggplant, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta salata cheese into a single, satisfying pan of Italian comfort. This vegetarian pasta recipe boasts all the beloved Italian flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser even for meat enthusiasts.
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Welcome back to my kitchen! Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of Sicilian cuisine with the exquisite Pasta alla Norma Recipe. Recently, I had a delightful chat with my good friend Kenny, an authentic Sicilian who knows the secret to making this dish exceptional. Remember the fantastic Eggplant Parmesan we made a while back? Kenny’s invaluable tips were behind its delicious success!
This time, he introduced me to using ripe San Marzano tomatoes – a treasure in his garden. While I usually prefer growing Campari tomatoes in mine, I decided to try it. Kenny was also lucky enough to find ricotta Salata, the traditional cheese for the Pasta alla Norma recipe. On the other hand, I settled for an aged Pecorino, adding my unique twist to the dish. ( no, I just couldn’t find anywhere I live) . I opted for whole-grain pasta and used fresh eggplant, garlic, and basil straight from my garden to make it even healthier. It’s not about competition; it’s all about the love for sharing recipes and delightful food experiences!
Key Ingredients for Classic Pasta alla Norma
- Large eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes: Tender and creamy when fried, adds a delightful texture to the dish.
- Olive oil (light): Infuses a subtle, fruity essence and enhances the overall flavor.
- Red tomatoes or crushed tomatoes – Manzanio): Brings a rich, tangy tomato goodness to the sauce
- Garlic: no pasta dish without garlic c. Garlic Adds a robust, aromatic base note that’s quintessential to Italia cuisine.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Red pepper fla es: Provides a gentle heat that elevates the taste without overwhelming it.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (plus more for garnish): Offers a fresh, herbaceous aroma and taste.
- Whole grain pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti): Provides a hearty, nutty flavor while maintaining a firm texture. Feel free to use any kind of pasta you prefer.
- Ricotta salata cheese, rated (substitute with aged Pecorino or Parmigiano if preferred): Adds a salty, creamy richness that perfectly complements the dish.
Crafting The Perfect Pasta alla Norma:
This Pasta alla Norma recipe is a celebration of simplicity and fresh ingredients. With a few steps, these humble ingredients transform into an exceptional dish that sings with flavor.
Preparing the Eggplant
I started with peeled eggplants, slicing them into ½-inch thick circles. Then, I cut each circle horizontally into strips and then halved them. After salting the pieces for 30 minutes, I rinsed and dried them thoroughly. Instead of using extra virgin olive oil, I fried the eggplant pieces in light olive oil. If you wish to avoid frying, you can roast the eggplant cubes in the oven, skipping the salting process.
Sauce Preparation
The sauce is where the magic happens! After blanching the tomatoes (with a cross-slit at the bottom for easy peeling) in hot water for a minute, I gave them an ice-water bath. Then, I diced them into small cubes. The aromatic base of hot olive oil and garlic was then enriched with a tablespoon of tomato paste to deepen the color and flavor of the sauce. After incorporating the tomatoes, I let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Choosing Your Ingredients
Not only are eggplants low in calories but also high in fiber, making them an excellent addition to any diet. Furthermore, zucchinis can be a great alternative if eggplants aren’t available due to their similar texture and mild flavor. When selecting eggplants, choose those that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, glossy skin. Likewise, opt for plump, vibrant-colored tomatoes, a true sign of ripeness and flavor. Tomatoes, another main ingredient in this recipe, are well known for being rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which offers various health benefits.”
What Pairs Well with Pasta alla Norma?
This Pasta alla Norma recipe is a splendid dish on its own. However, for those who desire something more, a light Greek salad or a simple spinach salad enhances the meal wonderfully. Enjoy it with a slice of Sicilian bread and a glass of fine wine. Buon appetito!
Storage Instructions:
This Pasta al Norma recipe is best enjoyed fresh, yet it remains delightful when refrigerated for up to two days. For optimal flavor during reheating on the stove, consider adding olive oil to rejuvenate the dish’s vibrant tastes and textures.
This Pasta al Norma recipe is your shortcut to a quick, easy dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s a straightforward yet authentic Mediterranean dish with delightful flavors, guaranteeing a satisfying meal every time. Enjoy this simple culinary treat that’s easy to make and incredibly tasty! Now, let’s get cooking.
Preparation
![Final plated dish of Pasta alla Norma garnished with fresh basil.](https://ranasrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Photo-Oct-02-2023-1-34-57-PM-e1703116921409.jpg)
Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated ricotta salata cheese and torn fresh basil on top. Enjoy your delightful Pasta alla Norma!
This delightful dish showcases golden fried eggplants enveloped in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and chili, all tossed with whole-grain pasta. Garnished with grated ricotta salata and fresh basil, it’s a hearty, nutritious meal that promises a burst of flavor in every bite
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
1 Large eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes | |
Salt, for drawing out moisture from eggplant and for seasoning | |
Olive oil, for frying | |
8-9 large ripe tomatoes or 28 oz of crushed tomatoes San Marzano | |
3 garlic cloves, minced | |
1 tablespoon tomato paste | |
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) | |
1/2 cup of Fresh basil leaves, torn plus more for garnish | |
12 oz whole grain pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti works well) | |
3/4 cup ricotta Salata cheese, grated (you can substitute Pecorino Romano if unavailable) | |
black peppers to taste |
Preparation
Nutrition Information
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I would love to hear your experience!
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