Easy Homemade Aubergine Pasta Alla Norma

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This aubergine pasta recipe combines roasted aubergine, fresh herbs, and a touch of harissa spice. The crispy sourdough breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch, making this dish a standout. Ready in just over an hour, it's an ideal option for a cozy dinner.

Easy aubergine pasta with parmesan and basil in a white bowl.

You'll also love my halloumi pasta, roasted tomato pasta, spinach and ricotta pasta, creamy kale pasta, and sun-dried tomato pasta.

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⭐️ Why this recipe works
🧾 Ingredients overview
👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it
📖 Variations
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
❓Recipe FAQ's
Easy Homemade Aubergine Pasta Alla Norma

⭐️ Why this recipe works

Roasted Aubergine: Roasting the aubergine enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor.
Sourdough Breadcrumbs: Adds a unique crunchy texture and a tangy flavor to complement the creamy pasta.
Harissa Spice: Introduces a subtle heat and complex flavor, making the dish more interesting.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley provide a fresh, vibrant taste that balances the richness of the sauce.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the overall flavor of the dish.

🧾 Ingredients overview

Aubergine (Eggplant): The star ingredient, providing a creamy texture and smoky flavor.
Sourdough Bread Crumbs: Adds crunch and a tangy flavor.
Fresh Basil: Contributes a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
Garlic: Enhances the overall savory flavor with its pungency.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and roasting, adding richness.
Tomato Purée (tomato paste): Provides a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
Harissa Spice: Adds heat and complex spice notes.
Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.
Lemon (zest and juice): Provides a bright, citrusy contrast.
Short Pasta (Rigatoni, Penne): Holds the sauce well, providing a satisfying bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor and creaminess.

For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

Aubergine Pasta Alla Norma recipe step-by-step

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with foil.
Prepare and Roast the Aubergine: Prick the aubergine with a fork, place it on the baking tray, and bake for 50-60 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin splits and the flesh is soft. Set aside to cool, then peel and mash the flesh.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the tomato purée, harissa spice, and butter. Stir in the mashed aubergine and season with salt and pepper. Add half of the reserved pasta water and mix to create a smooth sauce.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Add more pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

Basil crumb being made in a food processor.

Make Sourdough Breadcrumbs. Thinly slice the sourdough bread, drizzle with olive oil, and place on the baking tray for the last 10 minutes of the aubergine's baking time. Blend the crispy sourdough with the basil in a food processor to make green breadcrumbs.

📖 Variations

Herbs: Substitute basil and parsley with oregano, thyme, or cilantro.
Spice: Use red pepper flakes instead of harissa for a different type of heat.
Cheese: Try using pecorino romano or asiago cheese for a different flavor.
Pasta: Use any short pasta like fusilli or farfalle if rigatoni or penne is not available.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

Charred Aubergine: For an extra smoky flavor, you can char the aubergine directly over a gas flame before roasting it. This adds a deep, complex flavor to the dish.
Pasta Water: When cooking the pasta, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and some salt to the water. This not only seasons the pasta but also helps the sauce adhere better.
Blending Method: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the roasted aubergine with a bit of pasta water before adding it to the pan.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

Fridge: Store the cooled aubergine pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

❓Recipe FAQ's

How do I prevent the aubergine from becoming bitter?

Salting the aubergine slices before roasting can help draw out bitterness. Let the salted aubergine sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can roast the aubergine and prepare the breadcrumbs a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

How can I make the dish more kid-friendly?

Reduce or omit the harissa spice to make the dish milder, and consider blending the sauce smoother to hide the vegetable textures if needed.

Looking for other pasta recipes like this? Try these:

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