Ingredients:
– 1 pound penne pasta
– 1 large eggplant
– 2 large tomatoes
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 medium onion
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggplant into small cubes and sprinkle it with salt. Set the eggplant aside for 30 minutes to let it sweat and release its bitterness.
2. In the meantime, chop the onion and garlic finely and slice the tomatoes into small cubes.
3. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion turns translucent and is fragrant.
4. Add the eggplant to the pan and mix well. Cook until the eggplant becomes tender and starts to brown. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and pour in the oregano, basil and chilli flakes. Stir the mixture well and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
6. In a separate pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta once it is cooked, and add it to the pan with the eggplant and tomato mixture.
7. Mix the pasta with the eggplant mixture for a few minutes to allow the pasta to absorb all the flavors. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve the penne with eggplant hot, garnished with some Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Tips:
– To keep the dish healthy, you can use whole wheat penne instead of regular penne pasta.
– The eggplant may need more time to cook, depending on the size of the cubes and the heat of the pan. Make sure the eggplant is fully cooked before adding the tomatoes.
– You can add other vegetables to the dish, like zucchini or bell peppers, to make it more colorful and nutritious.
In conclusion, penne with eggplant is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a dinner party. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying delicious pasta. Give this recipe a try and see how easy it is to make a scrumptious meal that everyone will love. Bon appetit!