Mediterranean Ziti with Roasted Eggplant
Indulge in this Mediterranean Ziti with Roasted Eggplant, a vibrant dish that combines rich flavors and textures. Tender roasted eggplant is sautéed with fragrant garlic, sweet onions, and juicy tomatoes, creating a hearty sauce. Paired with ziti pasta and accented with briny kalamata olives and fresh basil, this dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or for sharing at gatherings. Dive into a bowl of comfort that celebrates vegetables and the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, and enjoy this dish warm to savor every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
eggplant
1 large (peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
ziti pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
garlic cloves
4 (peeled and chopped)
onion
1 (peeled and diced)
canned tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
kalamata olives
12 (pitted and chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the peeled and cubed eggplant to the skillet. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is golden brown and tender. Once cooked, remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, along with the chopped garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
4
Crush the canned tomatoes with your hands into the skillet, ensuring to include all the juice. Stir the mixture thoroughly, and then add the cooked eggplant cubes and chopped kalamata olives.
5
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavor.
7
Meanwhile, in a large pot, cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
8
Combine the cooked ziti with the eggplant sauce in the skillet, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
9
Serve the Mediterranean ziti hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Ziti with Roasted Eggplant?
It is a vibrant, hearty pasta dish featuring roasted eggplant cubes, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, finished with kalamata olives and fresh basil.
How should I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the eggplant?
Cook the eggplant cubes for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of ziti pasta cooked until al dente.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, according to the tags and ingredients, this Mediterranean Ziti recipe is vegan.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, which should be peeled and chopped.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of tomatoes, crushing them by hand to include all the juice.
How many kalamata olives are included?
The recipe calls for 12 pitted and chopped kalamata olives.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
What amount of olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil, used in divided portions.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Yes, the instructions specify that the eggplant should be peeled.
Can I substitute the ziti pasta?
While ziti is traditional for this dish, other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni would also work well.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
Mediterranean Ziti should be served hot to best savor the flavors and textures.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil and roasting the eggplant cubes until golden.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What should the onion preparation be?
One onion should be peeled and diced before being sauteed with the garlic.
How do I season the dish?
Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large, deep skillet is recommended to accommodate the vegetables and the pasta.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, this dish is tagged as healthy and focuses on vegetable-rich Mediterranean ingredients.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Drain the cooked ziti and stir it gently into the skillet with the eggplant sauce until well coated.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished ziti with additional fresh basil if desired.
What texture should the pasta be?
The pasta should be cooked according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is this recipe good for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for casual weeknight dinners or sharing at gatherings.
Do I use the juice from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, ensure you include all the juice when crushing the tomatoes into the skillet.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The dish features fragrant garlic, sweet onions, juicy tomatoes, and briny kalamata olives.
How long does it take to saute the onions and garlic?
Saute the onion and garlic for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
Can this be prepared as a quick meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a quick meal.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
Eggplant is the primary vegetable and star of this Mediterranean pasta dish.