If you're in the mood for a dish that perfectly balances comfort and elegance, look no further than Pasta with Fried Aubergine! This Italian delight is a symphony of flavors, featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by the irresistible crunch of golden-fried aubergines. Imagine indulging in a plate of this mouthwatering meal that not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to creating a deliciously memorable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 2 medium aubergines, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the two medium aubergines into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 400g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You will need enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan well.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced aubergines to the skillet in a single layer. Fry the aubergine slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and tender. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- As the aubergines cook, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the aubergines from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the 1 cup of tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere. Fold in the fried aubergine slices, mixing everything together carefully.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Salting the Water: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
- Fry in Batches: When frying the aubergines, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry them in batches to achieve that perfect golden-brown color and crisp texture.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying the aubergines, place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency, making it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish your dish with fresh basil just before serving. It adds a delightful aroma and freshness that elevates the entire meal.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce before combining it with the pasta. A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
