Pasta alla Norma – A Vegetarian Delight from Sicily
Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish that boasts the deliciousness of grilled eggplant paired with rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese. This iconic recipe encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and is perfect for anyone seeking to relish a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients:
- 675g Aubergine (Eggplant), sliced into 1.25 cm thick rounds
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (as needed, plus extra for brushing)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- 60 ml (approx. 4 Tbsp) chopped Onions
- 15 ml (1 Tbsp) chopped fresh Garlic
- 5 ml (1 tspn) crushed Red Pepper
- 1 can (approx. 795g) San Marzano Tomatoes, chopped
- 5 ml (1 tspn) dried Oregano
- 455g short Pasta (such as Rigatoni, Penne, or Ziti)
- A handful of fresh Basil, chopped (approx. 120 ml)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 120 ml grated Scamorza (smoked Mozzarella) Cheese
- Parmigiano Cheese, grated, for serving
- 250 ml of Chateau Roche De Lune 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (with a little extra for the chef!)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill. Brush the aubergine slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the aubergine until soft and slightly charred. Once cool, cut the grilled aubergine into cubes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic.
- Use a splash of Chateau Roche De Lune 2019 Sauvignon Blanc to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavours.
- Cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, until al dente.
- Add the cubed aubergine into the tomato sauce and allow it to heat through.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the aubergine-tomato sauce, tossing it to coat.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Scamorza cheese and basil, mixing gently.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano cheese.
Wine Pairing
To complement the rich, robust flavours of Pasta alla Norma, opt for a bottle of Nero d'Avola, specifically, Nero D'Avola A Zita Cu Zitu Organic 2019 Red Wine. This Sicilian red is a natural match for the dish, as it aligns well with the savoury profile of the eggplant and tomato sauce, providing an authentic and complete Sicilian dining experience.
Pasta alla Norma is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the simplicity and depth of Italian cooking. It's a dish that invites you to explore with every forkful. Whether you’re an Italian cuisine aficionado or a vegetarian food enthusiast, this recipe is a surefire addition to your culinary repertoire – buon appetite!
Enjoy this delightful dish with your friends and family, and don't forget to pour yourself that well-deserved glass of wine. After all, what's cooking without a little fun and finesse?
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