Spaghetti alla Turiddu

Spaghetti alla Turiddu is a typical dish of Sicilian cuisine and takes its name from a Sicilian nickname, “Turiddu”. The traditional recipe calls for the use of simple ingredients with bold flavors. The preparation requires spaghetti, seasoned with a rich sauce made of fried eggplants, tomato, and basil, often enriched with grated salted ricotta on top.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Eggplants
• Peeled tomatoes or tomato puree
• Fresh basil
• Garlic
• Salted ricotta (for garnish)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Cut the eggplants into cubes and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Set aside on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. In the meantime, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
3. In a pan, sauté garlic (remove it after browning if preferred) and add the peeled tomatoes or tomato puree.
4. Cook for about 15 minutes over medium heat, then add the fried eggplants.
5. Cook the pasta al dente, drain it and add it to the sauce in the pan, including torn fresh basil.
6. Toss the pasta in the sauce for a minute to flavor well.
7. Serve hot with grated salted ricotta on top as desired.

Curiosity

The dish is a tribute to Sicilian home cooking, where eggplants are a frequent protagonist. “Turiddu” is a term of endearment, and this dish is often associated with the conviviality and generosity typical of the island’s culture.

If you need a more detailed version or an alternative for a specific ingredient, let me know!