Pasta alla Norma is a traditional Italian dish from the region of Sicily. If you want to savor this sophisticated and rich tasting pasta, you will have to be careful not to make certain mistakes. In this article, we will discuss the classic recipe of Pasta alla Norma and five common mistakes that should be avoided while preparing the scrumptious dish.

The Pasta alla Norma recipe:
First, let’s understand the traditional way of making Pasta alla Norma before diving into the mistakes to avoid. Here are the ingredients you will need:

– 400 g of dried spaghetti or noodle
– 1 large aubergine
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, sliced
– 2 cans of good quality tomatoes (400 g each)
– 4 tbsp of olive oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Fresh basil leaves and ricotta salata or pecorino cheese for garnishing

Directions to prepare:

1. Slice the aubergine into round pieces of about 1 cm thick. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the aubergine until it turns golden brown. Once done, place the aubergine on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. In a different pan, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat and add the onion. Cook until it turns golden brown. Once done, add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the cans of tomatoes to the onion and garlic mix, along with salt and black pepper. Mix it all together and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the pack and drain it.
5. Now add the aubergine to the tomato sauce and cook for a minute or until the sauce is warmed through.
6. Serve the pasta with the aubergine-tomato sauce on top, and garnish it with fresh basil leaves and ricotta salata or pecorino cheese.

Five mistakes to avoid:
Here are the common mistakes that people make while preparing Pasta alla Norma:

1. Not salting the eggplant: Always remember to sprinkle salt on eggplant slices before cooking; this will help remove any excess moisture and make golden brown.

2. Skipping the garlic: Garlic is a crucial ingredient in Pasta alla Norma. Skipping garlic from your recipe will drastically affect the flavor of the dish.

3. Using substandard ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used plays a significant role in the taste of the dish. Always opt for fresh vegetables and good quality canned tomatoes.

4. Overcooking the eggplant: Overcooked eggplant can have a mushy texture, which can ruin the dish’s taste. Ensure that you cook the eggplant until it is crispy and golden brown.

5. Incorrect pasta cooking time: Overcooked pasta will affect the dish’s texture and result in a mushy or sticky dish. Undercooked pasta will not have the right texture or taste. Be sure to cook the pasta as per packet instructions.

Final thoughts:
Pasta alla Norma is a flavorful and classic dish. By following the recipe and avoiding the common blunders, you can enjoy this authentic Italian dish in the comfort of your home. Remember to use quality ingredients and pay attention to each step to make a perfect Pasta alla Norma. So, why not give this simple yet delicious recipe a try?

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