Ziti alla Norma
A traditional Sicilian pasta featuring tender eggplant, a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of cheese, making for a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 eggplant, cut into pieces similarly sized to the ziti
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 ounces ziti or other short pasta
Ricotta salata or parmesan, to serve
Fresh basil, to serve
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the eggplant and cook until lightly browned and tender, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Return the eggplant to the sauce, stirring to combine. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and eggplant.
- Serve topped with ricotta salata or parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Penne or rigatoni can be used instead of ziti.
Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Grill or roast the eggplant for a smokier flavor.
Fresh tomatoes can be substituted when in season.
Use vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/ziti-alla-norma/
