Spaghetti alla Norma is a classic Italian dish originating from Sicily. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish made with spaghetti, eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata.
The dish was named after the famous opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, and it’s a popular meal in Sicily, especially in the city of Catania. It’s a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup ricotta salata, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the eggplant and tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the ricotta salata and fresh basil over the top of the spaghetti.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
Spaghetti alla Norma is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit personal preferences. Here are a few variations:.
: Meat lovers version
Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the tomato sauce for a heartier meal.
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: Vegan version
Omit the ricotta salata and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese as a substitute.
: Gluten-free version
Use gluten-free spaghetti or substitute with zucchini noodles or spiralized sweet potato noodles for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
Spaghetti alla Norma is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Try out this recipe and make it your own by adding your own personal touch.
