Mediterranean Spaghetti with Roasted Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes
Elevate your pasta night with this delightful Mediterranean Spaghetti featuring perfectly roasted eggplant and juicy cherry tomatoes. The rich tomato sauce, infused with garlic and fresh basil, complements the tender vegetables beautifully. A sprinkle of pecorino cheese adds a savory finish to this wholesome and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing the onion and garlic and drizzling over the eggplant)
Onion, chopped
1 (Chop finely)
Garlic cloves, minced
6 (Minced)
Whole canned tomatoes, drained
56 ounces (2 cans) (Drained and crushed by hand)
Fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4-1/2 cup (Torn into pieces)
Sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon (Optional for sweetness in sauce)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Small eggplants, stemmed
2 (Cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
Garlic cloves, chopped
2-3 (Chopped and mixed with eggplant)
Dried spaghetti
1 lb (Cooked to al dente)
Cherry tomatoes, stemmed
2 cups (Whole)
Freshly grated pecorino cheese
1/2 cup (Plus extra for serving)
Fresh basil leaves, torn
For garnish (Torn)
Red pepper flakes
1 pinch (Optional, for added heat)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spaghetti with Roasted Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes?
This is a wholesome pasta dish featuring a tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil, topped with roasted eggplant and juicy cherry tomatoes.
What type of eggplant is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two small eggplants, which are stemmed and prepared for roasting.
How should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds for optimal roasting.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of dried spaghetti, cooked to an al dente texture.
Is this Mediterranean Spaghetti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and features a vegetable-forward sauce and toppings.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
You will need approximately 8 to 9 garlic cloves: 6 minced for the sauce and 2-3 chopped for the eggplant.
What kind of canned tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe requires 56 ounces (two cans) of whole canned tomatoes.
How should the canned tomatoes be prepared for the sauce?
The whole canned tomatoes should be drained and then crushed by hand before being added to the sauce.
What type of cheese is used to finish the dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated pecorino cheese, with extra provided for serving.
How are the cherry tomatoes prepared?
You should use 2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes that have been stemmed.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
One teaspoon of sugar is optional and can be used to add a touch of sweetness to the tomato sauce.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and drizzling over the eggplant.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The basil leaves should be torn into pieces. You will need 1/4 to 1/2 cup for the sauce and additional leaves for garnish.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, an optional pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for extra heat.
How do I prepare the onion for the sauce?
One onion should be finely chopped and then sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight?
Yes, it is tagged as a weeknight meal, making it a great choice for a satisfying and efficient dinner.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features vibrant Mediterranean flavors including garlic, fresh basil, roasted vegetables, and savory pecorino cheese.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific number of servings isn't listed, the recipe uses 1 lb of pasta and a large volume of sauce, making it ideal for families.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
The dried spaghetti should be cooked until it reaches an al dente texture.
Does the eggplant need to be peeled?
The recipe specifies cutting the eggplants into rounds, but does not indicate that they need to be peeled.
What type of salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe recommends using salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for seasoning.
How is the eggplant seasoned before roasting?
The eggplant rounds are drizzled with olive oil and mixed with 2-3 chopped garlic cloves.
Can this dish be served at gatherings?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Mediterranean pasta dish and is considered a type of comfort food.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Relevant tags include spaghetti, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, pasta, Mediterranean, and roasted vegetables.
Is the garlic for the eggplant prepared differently than the garlic for the sauce?
Yes, the garlic for the sauce is minced, while the garlic mixed with the eggplant is chopped.
How much pecorino cheese is recommended for garnish?
In addition to the 1/2 cup used in the dish, you should have extra pecorino available for serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for whole canned tomatoes to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
What provides the richness in the sauce?
The richness comes from the combination of extra virgin olive oil, slow-cooked onions, and hand-crushed whole tomatoes.
Is the eggplant cooked on the stove or in the oven?
The recipe description specifies that the eggplant and cherry tomatoes are roasted.