Sicilian pasta

Sicilian Pasta with Fried Eggplant

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Discover this delicious recipe for Sicilian pasta with fried eggplant, a dish that combines Italian tradition with Mediterranean flavors. It is a simple and quick meal, perfect for a savory dinner, yet impressive for a special occasion.

Ingredients:
- 400 g pasta (preferably spaghetti or penne)
- 2 medium eggplants
- 100 g flour
- 100 ml olive oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 400 g canned or fresh tomatoes
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the eggplant: Wash the eggplants, cut them into cubes of about 2 cm, then sprinkle them with salt. Let them drain in a colander for 15 minutes. This step is essential to remove bitterness and excess water from the eggplants, ensuring you get a crispy texture after frying.

2. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and then add the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente for a pleasant texture.

3. Frying the eggplant: After the eggplants have drained, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt. Dry them with a paper towel. In a bowl, add the flour and coat the eggplant cubes evenly. In a deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4. Preparing the sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden. Add the canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using fresh tomatoes, it is recommended to blanch and peel them for a finer texture.

5. Assembling the dish: When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan along with the tomato sauce. Mix well, adding the fried eggplant and half of the grated Parmesan. Let everything combine over low heat for 2-3 minutes.

6. Serving: Divide the pasta into plates, sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor boost. This Sicilian pasta is delicious both warm and at room temperature, and is ideal to be served alongside a fresh green salad.

Variations: You can add black olives or capers to enhance the Mediterranean flavors. Also, for a vegetarian option, you can replace the pasta with quinoa or rice. If you like spicy food, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.

This recipe for Sicilian pasta with fried eggplant is a perfect choice for a quick dinner, but also to impress your guests. Enjoy every bite and savor the authentic taste of Italy!