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Penne with Shrimp and Eggplant

17/11/2023

I can guide you in preparing Penne with Shrimp and Eggplant. This is a dish that skillfully combines the flavors of the sea and the land, creating a delicious harmony. Here are the necessary ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of penne
  • 200 g of cleaned shrimp
  • 1 large eggplant
  • 200 g of cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of chili pepper (optional)
  • A handful of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing and cutting the eggplant into cubes. Put them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for about 30 minutes to lose their bitterness.
  2. In the meantime, clean the shrimp by removing the head, shell, and intestine, then rinse them under running water.
  3. In a pan, heat a drizzle of EVO oil and a clove of garlic in its skin. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink. Then, remove the shrimp and garlic from the pan.
  4. In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil and a clove of garlic in its skin, and sauté the eggplant cubes. Cook until they are golden, then add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them soften.
  5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package’s instructions.
  6. Add the shrimp back into the pan with the eggplant and cherry tomatoes and let everything flavor for a few minutes. If desired, add a pinch of chili pepper.
  7. Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the pan with the shrimp and eggplant sauce. Sauté for a couple of minutes on high heat to blend the flavors.
  8. If you like, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese before serving and mix well.
  9. Plate and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, then serve immediately.

Curiosity

Although the combination of fish and cheese is not typical of Italian cuisine, in some cases, like in this recipe, a small addition of Parmesan can create a pleasant surprise on the palate. The eggplant, with its soft texture, perfectly counterbalances the more firm texture of the shrimp.

Penne with Shrimp and Eggplant