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Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Eggplant and Mint

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe for preparing whole wheat spaghetti with roasted eggplant and mint, a fresh and tasty dish that celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean with a touch of freshness provided by the mint.

Ingredients

  • 320 grams of whole wheat spaghetti
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil (as needed)
  • Salt and black pepper (as needed)
  • A bunch of fresh mint
  • Shavings of Parmesan or pecorino cheese (optional, for garnishing)
  • Chili pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the eggplants, then cut them into cubes of about 2 cm on each side. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with some coarse salt and let them drain for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove any bitterness. After this time, rinse the eggplant cubes to remove the excess salt and dry them with kitchen paper.

  2. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Place the eggplant cubes in a baking tray, season with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. If you desire a more intense flavor, also add some minced chili pepper. Roast in the already hot oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are soft and slightly golden.

  3. While the eggplants are cooking, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti following the instructions on the package, being careful to keep them al dente.

  4. Drain the pasta while preserving some of the cooking water. Return the spaghetti to the pot and add the roasted eggplants. Gently mix, adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a bit of the cooking water if necessary to keep the dish moist.

  5. Tear the mint leaves with your hands and add them to the dish, mixing well to ensure their aroma is released by the heat of the pasta.

  6. Serve immediately, garnishing with Parmesan or pecorino shavings and an additional sprinkle of fresh mint.

Curiosity

Whole wheat spaghetti, besides being tasty, provides a higher amount of fiber compared to traditional pasta, benefiting digestion and the sense of fullness. Moreover, combined with the rustic taste of roasted eggplant and the zest of fresh mint, they create a perfect match for those who seek a balanced meal but full of flavor.