Pasta alla Norma is a classic Italian dish of pasta with eggplant and ricotta salata, a hard, salty cheese. The dish is said to have originated in Sicily and is a popular dish all over Italy and the world.
The traditional recipes for this pasta dish vary, but generally it is made with spaghetti or penne pasta, fried eggplant and tomato sauce. Some recipes also add garlic, capers, red pepper flakes and/or olives to the sauce. The ricotta salata is then grated or crumbled over the top of the dish before serving.
The dish is usually served as a main course, but can also be served as a side dish. It is a great dish for a family dinner or for entertaining guests.
The origin of the name of the dish is not clear. Some say it was named after a famous Sicilian opera singer called Norma, while others say it is a reference to the Italian word for “rule” because of the consistency of the dish.
Pasta alla Norma is a delicious dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of the flavors of the eggplant, tomato sauce, and the ricotta salata make it a unique and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It is a great dish to make when entertaining guests, or when you need a simple but tasty meal.
Now, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. of your favorite pasta
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 28 oz. can of whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
- 1/2 cup of ricotta salata cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the eggplant and continue to cook until both sides are golden brown.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the tomatoes and basil and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix to combine.
6. Divide the pasta among 4 plates and top with ricotta salata cheese. Serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious Pasta Alla Norma!
