Are you craving a delicious and authentic Italian pasta dish? Look no further than Rigatoni alla Norma. This traditional Sicilian recipe is a true pleasure for your taste buds.

With its rich tomato sauce, flavorful eggplant, and creamy ricotta cheese, Rigatoni alla Norma is the perfect comfort food that will transport you straight to the sunny streets of Italy. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish at home.

Ingredients:

1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated ricotta salata cheese
Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Start by preparing the eggplant. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant rounds and place them in a colander. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes to release any excess moisture and bitterness.

Rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Sear the Eggplant

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices in a single layer and cook until they are golden brown on both sides. This process may need to be done in batches.

Once cooked, transfer the eggplant to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Add the Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if desired), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta, Tomato Sauce, and Eggplant

Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Give it a gentle stir to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce’s consistency.

Next, carefully add the seared eggplant slices to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently fold the eggplant into the pasta without breaking the rounds.

The combination of the silky tomato sauce, tender eggplant, and al dente rigatoni creates a delightful texture.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Rigatoni alla Norma to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle the grated ricotta salata cheese generously over the pasta. Finally, top each serving with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbaceous aroma and color.

Enjoy this classic Italian dish as a main course or a side dish. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad and a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Now that you have mastered the art of making Rigatoni alla Norma, unleash your creativity in the kitchen and treat yourself, your family, and your friends to an unforgettable Sicilian feast!.