Pasta con le Melanzane e Pomodoro Fresco

Pasta con le Melanzane e Pomodoro Fresco is a delightful Italian dish that combines tender pasta with savory roasted eggplant and fresh tomatoes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This vegetarian supper is not only simple to prepare but also celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine with its fresh ingredients.

Pasta con le Melanzane e Pomodoro Fresco
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Italian
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 200 grams
  • Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
  • Fresh tomatoes - 300 grams
  • Garlic - 2 cloves
  • Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
  • Fresh basil leaves - a handful
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste
  • Parmesan cheese (optional) - for serving

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Cut the eggplant into 1 cm cubes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Rinse the salt off the eggplant cubes and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
  4. Spread the eggplant on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring halfway through.
  5. While the eggplant is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  6. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Chop the fresh tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to break down and form a sauce.
  8. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the tomatoes. Mix in the roasted eggplant and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbs: 70 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
  • Contains antioxidants from fresh tomatoes and eggplant, promoting heart health.

Tags

ItalianVegetarianSupper