Rigatoni pasta with eggplant and ricotta

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PREP TIME

30 min

TOTAL TIME

35 min

Makes

4 Servings

Rigatoni pasta with eggplant and ricotta Photo, Roberto Caruso

The charming town of Parma is best known for introducing the world to prosciutto and parmesan. Now its delicious culinary history can inspire your next meal. Prego!

Ingredients

1 medium Italian eggplant , about 415 g
1 tsp salt
1 cup olive oil
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 onion , chopped
796-mL can crushed tomatoes
450-g pkg rigatoni pasta
1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves , chopped
1/2 cup ricotta salata , about 40 g, grated

Instructions

PEEL eggplant, reserving peel. Julienne peel and set aside. Dice eggplant into 1/2 in pieces, then transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels. Toss with 1/2 tsp salt. Let stand for at least 10 min. (This will rid the eggplant of any bitter juices.)
HEAT a large saucepan over high. Add oil, then julienned eggplant peel. Stir often and fry until it begins to curl and crisp, 1 to 2 min. Use a slotted spoon to remove peel from oil to a paper towel-lined plate. Toss diced eggplant with flour. Add to hot oil in two batches. Fry, stirring occasionally until golden, 2 to 3 min. Transfer to another paper towel-lined plate. Pour out oil, leaving about 1 tbsp in pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onion and cook until soft, about 2 min. Add tomatoes, diced eggplant and remaining salt. Season with pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 min.
COOK pasta in a large pot of boiling water, following package directions, but omitting salt, until al dente, 8 to 10 min. Drain and add to eggplant mixture. Toss until combined. Stir in 1/4 cup basil. Scoop onto a platter and top with ricotta, then fried eggplant peel. Scatter remaining basil overtop.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories
649,
Protein
21 g,
Carbohydrates
115 g,
Fat
13 g,
Fibre
11 g,
Sodium
750 mg.
Excellent source of
Iron

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