Baked Pasta alla Norma

17/11/2023

Baked Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish from Sicilian cuisine that skillfully combines pasta with eggplants, tomato, and salted ricotta. The baked version I describe below involves creating a gratin on the surface that gives the dish a delightful crunchiness.

Ingredients

400 g of short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or similar)
500 g of peeled tomatoes or tomato puree
2 medium eggplants
200 g of salted ricotta
2 cloves of garlic
Fresh basil
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Breadcrumbs (optional)
Oil for frying

Preparation

Start by cutting the eggplants into cubes. If you’re bothered by the slightly bitter taste of eggplants, salt them for about 30 minutes, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Fry the eggplants in plenty of hot oil until they are golden and crispy. After frying, let them rest on paper towels to remove excess oil.
In a large pan, sauté the garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil until golden, then remove them. Add the crushed peeled tomatoes and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
While the tomato sauce is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and save a cup of the cooking water.
Mix the pasta with the tomato sauce, adding some of the cooking water if it seems too dry.
Add the fried eggplants and hand-torn basil leaves, mixing gently.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Generously grate salted ricotta on top and, if desired, sprinkle with some breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 20-25 minutes, until a golden crust forms on the surface.
Let the Baked Pasta alla Norma rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosity

Pasta alla Norma is named after the famous opera by the composer Vincenzo Bellini, a tribute to his native Catania. The baked version is not the most traditional, but it is a tasty variation that allows you to enjoy this dish in a slightly different key.

Tip: if you prefer a less calorie-dense dish, you can grill the eggplants instead of frying them. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of ricotta, although the salted variety remains the most authentic choice.