Pasta con le Melanzane e Basilico

Pasta con le Melanzane e Basilico is a vibrant Italian dish that combines tender pasta with sautéed eggplant and fresh basil for a delightful vegetarian experience. This simple yet flavorful recipe showcases the essence of Mediterranean cooking with its fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 160 grams
• Eggplant (aubergine) - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Fresh basil - 10 grams, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional) - 20 grams, grated

Steps

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. While the water is boiling, cut the eggplant into small cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the eggplant cubes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender and golden brown.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
6. While the vegetables are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the eggplant and tomatoes. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water to help combine everything.
9. Stir in the chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
10. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and basil, promoting overall health.

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