Vegetarian mains
Pasta Alla Norma
A classic Sicilian recipe is supposedly named after 'Norma', an opera by Bellini. This is healthy, vegetarian and – apart from salting the aubergines – very quick to make.
Ingredients
- 1 large aubergine
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- olive oil for frying
- 750g ripe tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and chopped
- 400g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp Pecorino or Parmesan, grated, to serve
- small handful fresh basil, torn
- salt and pepper
Method
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Step 1
Slice the aubergine into 1cm discs and cut into 1cm wide strips. Spread out in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Leave to drain for an hour, then rinse and pat dry.
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Step 2
Fry the garlic gently in 4 tablespoons olive oil until beginning to colour. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper and simmer for 15 minutes or so to make a thick tomato sauce. Re-heat when needed.
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Step 3
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the spaghetti. Boil until al dente. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a generous layer of olive oil in a wide frying-pan, and fry the aubergine until browned, in 2 batches if necessary. Drain on kitchen paper.
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Step 4
Drain the spaghetti and tip into a large serving bowl. Add the hot tomato sauce, cheese, and the basil. Toss quickly. Top with the fried aubergine and serve with extra cheese to hand round.
