Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta Alla Norma is dish which comes from Catania in Sicily. It consists of a rich tomato and aubergine based sauce which goes perfectly with Spaghetti. We were supposed to be in Sicily for our honeymoon and I was really looking forward to trying the authentic version in Catania, but unfortunately the world had other plans for us this year so we decided to develop our own recipe instead. We enjoy this delicious dish so much that it is on a regular rotation in our house, we eat it almost every week!
Ingredients
1 Large aubergine
Salt & pepper
1 Teaspoon dried oregano
4 Tablespoons rapeseed oil
2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
2 Onions, finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped (can leave this out or reduce if you don't want it spicy)
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1 400g Tin chopped tomatoes
200g Spaghetti
Parmesan for sprinkling over
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 Hour
Serves: Enough for 2 people
Instructions
Pre Heat the oven to 200c
Cut the aubergine up into fingers, about 5cm by 1cm (doesn't have to be exact)
Place in a bowl and pour over 2 tablespoons of oil, add the oregano and a good pinch of salt and pepper
Spread out on a baking tray and roast in the oven until cooked and slightly caramelised, about half an hour, but may be slightly more or less (see photo for the desired result)
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy bottomed pan, add the onion and fry on a medium heat until a golden brown colour, 5 - 10 minutes
Add the chilli and garlic and fry for another minute or so
Add the balsamic vinegar and give a good stir
Add the chopped tomatoes, stir, and gently simmer until the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes, about 10 - 15 minutes or so
Add a quarter of a teaspoon of salt and pepper, taste and add some more if you think it needs it (I add a little more)
While the tomatoes are simmering, cook your spaghetti according to the packet instructions (make sure the water is salted)
When the sauce and spaghetti are ready, add the aubergines to the tomato sauce and cook for a couple of minutes
Add the Spaghetti to the sauce and stir through
Serve immediately with a sprinkling of parmesan over the top
Enjoy!
