**Indulge in the Creamy Delight of Eggplant and Cream on Pasta: A Culinary Journey of Flavors and Textures**
Embark on a culinary adventure with the tantalizing dish of eggplant and cream on pasta, a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. This versatile recipe offers a medley of options to suit your preferences, from the classic combination of eggplant and cream to exciting variations that incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon. Each recipe promises a unique taste experience, ensuring that every bite is a moment of pure culinary bliss. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking inspiration, this article will guide you through the process of creating this delectable dish, providing step-by-step instructions, insightful tips, and mouthwatering images to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with this exquisite eggplant and cream pasta extravaganza.
PASTA ALLA NORMA (EGGPLANT PASTA)
Recipe video above. This is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Sicily, usually begun by cooking eggplant on the stove in a hefty amount of oil. I prefer roasting the eggplant - less oil plus the eggplant holds its shape better, especially when you roast at a high temp to caramelise the surface!Finishing with a good amount of fresh basil is traditional but even if you don't have any, there's other alternatives to add a touch of other flavour - such as fresh thyme, or extra dried herbs in the sauce.This is an excellent and satisfyingly "meaty" vegetarian main dish that will have even card-carrying carnivores asking for seconds!
Provided by Nagi
Categories Mains
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 240°C / 450°F (220°C fan). Line a tray with baking / parchment paper.
- Toss eggplant with oil, salt and pepper. Spread on the tray and roast for 20 minutes.
- Flip, then roast for a further 5 minutes. Cool on tray (this helps the eggplant hold its shape when tossing).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Start cooking the pasta a couple of minutes after you start making the sauce (next section), until al dente or to your liking.
- Heat oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook for 20 seconds until golden, then add onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and cooked through.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add wine, if using. Let it simmer, scraping the base of the pan to deglaze, until the wine mostly evaporates.
- Add tomato passata. Now pour the water into the passata bottle, screw on the lid, shake, and pour that in too (waste nothing!)
- Add dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir and simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in eggplant, then add cooked and drained pasta. GENTLY toss until pasta is coated in the sauce (so the eggplant doesn't turn into complete mush!).
- Serve immediately, garnished with a good pinch of fresh basil and parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 530 kcal, Carbohydrate 83 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 828 mg, Fiber 12 g, Sugar 18 g, ServingSize 1 serving
PASTA ALLA NORMA RECIPE
Pasta alla norma is a satisfying Sicilian pasta with tender eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese. All the comforting Italian flavors we love in just one pan. This is one vegetarian main dish that even meat lovers will enjoy.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Dinner
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Slice and Salt the Eggplant. Trim the eggplant and partially peel them in a striped pattern (zebra pattern). Slice them into ½ inch thick rounds. Season the eggplant slices with kosher salt on both sides and lay them flat for a few minutes (up to 30 minutes if you have the time). Wipe the eggplant dry and remove excess salt using a paper towel.
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Roast the eggplant. Brush the bottom of a large sheet pan (or two) with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange the eggplant slices in the pans in one single layer (eggplant slices should not overlap, each should be comfortably touching the bottom of the sheet pan). Roast in the heated oven until deeply golden brown, anywhere from 35 to 40 minutes, turning over mid-way through.
- Make the Sauce. Meanwhile, get going on the sauce. In a large deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, lower the heat and cook, tossing regularly, until the garlic gains a little bit of color. Add the tomatoes (with their juices), oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then lower the heat and let simmer briefly.
- When ready, add the roasted eggplant to sauce. Let simmer while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions (mine took about 11 minutes). Drain and combine the pasta with the eggplant and sauce (if needed, add a little bit of the pasta water and toss until the pasta is well-coated). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add chopped parsley and grated ricotta salata cheese to finish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 375.7 kcal, Carbohydrate 70.6 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Cholesterol 12.1 mg, Sodium 54.1 mg, Fiber 9.9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EGGPLANT PASTA
Provided by Alton Brown
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Peel each eggplant leaving 1-inch of skin at the top and bottom unpeeled. Slice the eggplant thinly lengthwise, about 1/4-inch thick. Evenly coat each slice with the salt and purge on a sheet pan fitted with a rack for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and roll in paper towels to dry. Slice the pieces into thin strips to resemble pasta.
- In a large saute pan heat the oil. Add the garlic and chili flakes and toast. Add the eggplant "pasta" and toss to coat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the cream and increase heat to thicken sauce. Finally add the basil and Parmesan and toss to combine. Season with pepper, no salt needed as the eggplant will have residual salt from the purge. Serve immediately.
CREAMY EGGPLANT AND PEPPERONI BAKED PASTA
Perk up a cheesy baked pasta with pepperoni and eggplant.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add both cans of tomatoes, the oregano and 1 cup of water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer rapidly, uncovered, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl with a slotted spoon. Add the pepperoni to the pan and cook until just starting to crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant.
- Cook the cavatappi in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl.
- Add the tomato sauce, parsley, half of the Asiago and half of the Parmesan to the bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a 3- to 4-quart baking dish and dollop the top with the ricotta, then top with the remaining Asiago and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pasta stand about 10 minutes before serving.
RIGATONI WITH CREAMY EGGPLANT AND MOZZARELLA
Provided by Aida Mollenkamp
Categories main-dish
Time 12m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the onion and garlic and cook until just softened. Add eggplant, stir to coat in oil, then let cook, stirring rarely, until softened and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove half eggplant mixture and reserve.
- Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add the tomatoes, cream, and half the basil, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce is slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.
- Drain pasta and return to the pot off the heat. Pour sauce over top and stir until well coated. Add reserved eggplant, remaining basil, and mozzarella and mix until the cheese starts to soften. Serve immediately.
EGGPLANT AND CREAM ON PASTA
Provided by Marian Burros
Categories dinner, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- To make the seasoning mix, combine the peppercorns, dry mustard, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, basil leaves and white pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Combine the cottage cheese, skim milk and cream cheese in a blender and process until smooth. Set aside. Heat a heavy 10-inch skillet, preferably nonstick, over high heat for about four minutes.
- Combine 1 cup of the eggplant, 1 cup of the onions, 1 cup of the mushrooms, and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix in the skillet. Stir and cook for two to three minutes.
- Add 1 cup of the apple juice and cook, scraping the bottom occasionally, until all the liquid evaporates and a glaze forms, about 15 minutes. Add the remaining apple juice, scrape the bottom of the skillet, and add the chicken stock, and the remaining eggplant, onions, mushrooms and seasoning mix. Stir, bring to a boil, and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk the cottage cheese mixture into the sauce until blended. Add drained pasta, toss, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 524, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 94 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 890 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams
EGGPLANT CAPONATA PASTA WITH RICOTTA AND BASIL
This weeknight pasta is inspired by traditional caponata, a tangy, salty-sweet Italian dish made with sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, caramelized onions, capers, anchovies, olives and vinegar. Though caponata is often served as a side, salad or relish, this eggplant sauté forms the foundation of a hearty vegetarian pasta. For the best results, taste and season your eggplant mixture with salt and pepper as you cook little by little - or even recklessly. It should taste quite salty and tangy on its own, but will mellow when tossed with pasta, pasta water and creamy ricotta.
Provided by Alexa Weibel
Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the raisins, sugar, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and let cook about 2 minutes, then cover and set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high. Stir in half the eggplant to coat evenly in the oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned in spots, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. (Eggplant should brown and tenderize but still maintain its shape.) Heat another 1/4 cup oil, then add remaining eggplant; season and repeat.
- While the eggplant cooks, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. (You might not use all the pasta water.)
- Add another 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the shallot, pine nuts, capers, garlic and red-pepper flakes, stirring frequently, until the shallot is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant, along with the sliced basil and vinegar.
- Strain the soaked raisins, discarding the soaking liquid, then add the raisins to the eggplant mixture and toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. The mixture should taste quite aggressively salty and tangy, but it will mellow when tossed with pasta and ricotta. (Eggplant mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.)
- Add eggplant mixture, pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the pot. Toss to coat over medium heat until eggplant is warmed, adding extra pasta water if necessary. Divide among shallow bowls, top with ricotta and additional torn basil and serve immediately. Pass with additional olive oil for drizzling, if desired.
MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE EGGPLANT PASTA
A Mediterranean-style eggplant sauce for pasta that can be served with chicken for meat-lovers. Use good quality pasta, cheeses, and fresh herbs for best results. Serve with slivered or grated Parmesan. Serve with a green salad.
Provided by Debbie
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Arrange eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle with enough salt to lightly coat; drain for about 10 minutes. Rinse eggplant and pat dry with paper towels. Chop eggplant into cubes.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 to 11 minutes; drain.
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir eggplant, adding more oil if eggplant gets dry, until browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer eggplant to a bowl, reserving oil in the skillet.
- Heat remaining oil in the same skillet; cook and stir onion and garlic until golden, about 10 minutes. Return eggplant to skillet and season with oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute more.
- Mix tomatoes, vinegar, salt, sugar, and black pepper into eggplant mixture; cover skillet and simmer sauce until eggplant is softened, about 10 minutes. Mix sauce with pasta in a bowl; top with mozzarella cheese and basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 567.2 calories, Carbohydrate 68.1 g, Cholesterol 44.6 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 9.5 g, Protein 21.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 890.7 mg, Sugar 13.1 g
CREAMY EGGPLANT CAMPANELLE
I'm Italian and rarely cook with a recipe. I love to make things up with what I have on hand and this was one of those recipes! It seems like they turn out the best!
Provided by vegiewings
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- While the pasta is cooking, add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a large frying pan. Heat over medium heat. Add garlic to hot oil and saute until tender, but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggplant, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until eggplant is tender and browned, about 15 minutes.
- While the eggplant is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add campanelle and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain.
- Add cream cheese and 1/2 cup milk to the eggplant; stir to combine. Add more milk if necessary to make a smooth cream sauce. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve eggplant mixture over pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.2 calories, Carbohydrate 48.7 g, Cholesterol 10.9 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 11.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 127.2 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
EGGPLANT PASTA
Easy and quick pasta dish!
Provided by alands18
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Eggplant
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggplant; cook, stirring constantly, until eggplant is softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and juice; cook until sauce is slightly reduced, about 20 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Pour sauce over pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.6 calories, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 144.7 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked eggplant or roast it ahead of time.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half instead.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This pasta dish is a delicious and versatile meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. With its creamy sauce, tender eggplant, and flavorful herbs, this pasta dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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