– 2 medium-sized eggplants, diced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne works well)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Creating Spicy Eggplant Pasta is simple. Follow these steps to make this delightful dish:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Eggplant: Spread the diced eggplant on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt, and toss until well coated.
3. Roast Eggplant: Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until the eggplant is golden brown and tender.
4. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
5. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add Spice: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
7. Combine Tomatoes: Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir in oregano, salt, and black pepper, allowing to simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Add Eggplant: Gently fold in the roasted eggplant into the sauce, mixing well to combine.
9. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing until fully coated with the sauce.
10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the spicy eggplant pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
These steps ensure that your Spicy Eggplant Pasta comes out perfectly every time. It’s a delightful journey of flavors that culminates in a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.