Rigatoni with Eggplant

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Rigatoni with Eggplant.jpg

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 Sicilian eggplant, about 2 lbs (1 kg)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 10 oz (285 g) rigatoni
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 2 tsp chopped garlic
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped pitted green olives
  • 2 tbsp roughly chopped capers
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 3/4 cup shaved ricotta salata, about 3 oz (90 g)

Method

Preheat oven to 450 F.

Cut eggplant into 1-inch-thick slices. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once, or until soft and slightly caramelized. Cool, then chop into 1-inch cubes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

Heat remaining 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 1 minute. Raise heat to medium-high and add tomatoes and vinegar. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes or until tomatoes soften. Stir in eggplant, olives, capers, oregano and basil and cook until flavours are combined and sauce is thick, another 3 to 5 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.

Toss pasta with sauce, adding enough cooking water so that it is not dry. Serve with shaved ricotta salata.