Nothing quite warms the heart and home like a cozy meal of pasta coated in a rich, velvety eggplant sauce. This Eggplant In Pasta recipe will bring comfort and flavor to your table, perfect for a relaxing night in or for sharing with loved ones. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish that celebrates the humble eggplant in all its glory.
Eggplant In Pasta
**Ingredients:**
– 1 large eggplant, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 lb pasta of your choice
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preparing the eggplant. Dice it into small cubes and place them in a colander. Sprinkle some salt over the eggplant cubes and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This will help draw out any bitterness from the eggplant.
2. In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
3. Rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the dried oregano and basil to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
6. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced eggplant to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is softened and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Once the pasta sauce has thickened slightly, toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Mix well to ensure the pasta is coated in the eggplant sauce.
9. Serve the Eggplant In Pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a touch of freshness. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of crusty bread and a glass of your favorite wine.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and wholesome, perfect for any day of the week. Let the flavors of the eggplant and herbs meld together to create a sauce that will envelop your pasta in deliciousness. Eggplant In Pasta is a delightful way to elevate your dinner routine and indulge in a meal that celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients.
