Savory Vegan Pasta alla Norma with Golden Eggplant
Experience the delightful flavors of Sicilian cuisine with this Savory Vegan Pasta alla Norma featuring perfectly sautéed golden eggplant. This plant-based dish combines the rich, robust tastes of sun-kissed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil that harmonize beautifully with the hearty spaghetti. A touch of chili and oregano brings warmth to the dish, while the vinegary brightness cuts through the richness, making it a perfect meal for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Perfect for a family dinner, gathering, or a comforting meal for one, this pasta is sure to impress and nourish. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a plateful of Italian comfort food that’s entirely vegan!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 large (Cut into quarters lengthwise and sliced into finger-sized pieces)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (For frying and sauce)
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Dried chili flakes
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Garlic cloves
4 (Peeled and finely sliced)
Fresh basil
1 bunch (Stems finely chopped and leaves reserved)
White wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (For deglazing)
Canned chopped tomatoes
2 (14 ounce) cans or 2 cups (Good-quality)
Sea salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground for seasoning)
Dried spaghetti
1 lb (For serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the eggplants: Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise, and if they contain seedy, fluffy centers, scoop them out and discard. Next, slice each half into thick finger-sized pieces or chunks.
2
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Working in batches, add the eggplant pieces to the hot pan, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Sauté until they are golden brown on all sides, adding a splash more oil if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the eggplant to a plate and set aside.
3
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add another teaspoon of olive oil. Add the fried eggplant back to the pan along with the dried chili flakes and toss to combine. Add the finely sliced garlic and the chopped basil stems, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
4
Pour in the white wine vinegar followed by the canned or fresh chopped tomatoes, stirring well. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, cooking for 10 to 15 minutes. After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5
Just before serving, tear half of the reserved fresh basil leaves and incorporate them into the sauce, stirring gently.
6
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the starchy cooking water.
7
Return the pasta to the pot and add the tomato sauce to the noodles. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency. Heat gently, making sure everything is well combined.
8
To serve, twirl the pasta into a serving bowl or plate. Top with any additional sauce left in the pan. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vegan Pasta alla Norma?
It is a plant-based version of the traditional Sicilian dish featuring sautéed golden eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
How many eggplants are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggplants.
How should the eggplants be sliced?
Cut the eggplants into quarters lengthwise and then slice them into thick finger-sized pieces or chunks.
Should I remove the seeds from the eggplant?
If the eggplants have seedy, fluffy centers, you should scoop them out and discard them before slicing.
What is the best way to cook the eggplant?
Sauté them in batches in a large pan with olive oil over medium-high heat until they are golden brown on all sides.
Why should I sauté the eggplant in batches?
Sautéing in batches ensures that the pan does not overcrowd, allowing the eggplant to brown properly.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil, plus extra splashes as needed for frying.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried oregano, dried chili flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the garlic to the pan after the eggplant has been sautéed, along with chili flakes and basil stems.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
Finely chop the stems to cook in the sauce, and reserve the leaves to be torn or used as garnish later.
What is the purpose of white wine vinegar in this recipe?
One teaspoon of white wine vinegar is used for deglazing and to add a brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes or 2 (14 ounce) cans of good-quality chopped tomatoes.
How long does the tomato sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the flavors meld.
When should I add the fresh basil leaves?
Tear half of the reserved fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce just before serving.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe specifies using 1 lb of dried spaghetti.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it is al dente, following the package instructions.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserving a small cup of starchy cooking water helps you achieve the desired sauce consistency when tossing the pasta.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Return the drained pasta to the pot, add the tomato sauce, and toss everything together with a splash of reserved pasta water.
How is the dish garnished?
Garnish the final plate with the remaining fresh basil leaves.
Is this recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, this Pasta alla Norma is 100% vegan and plant-based.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic.
What heat level is used for sautéing the garlic?
The heat should be reduced to medium when sautéing the garlic and basil stems.
How much dried oregano is included?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
How much chili flakes should I add?
Use 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes, or adjust to your preference for warmth.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a comforting meal that is perfect for a family dinner, gathering, or even a meal for one.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using sea salt to taste.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While the recipe suggests spaghetti, the sauce would also pair well with other pasta shapes.
What does the golden eggplant contribute to the dish?
The sautéed golden eggplant provides a hearty, savory texture and rich flavor to the pasta.
What kind of cuisine is this recipe based on?
This recipe is a vegan take on classic Sicilian cuisine.