Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes
Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes Recipe - Vegan Italian Food
Introduction
Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes is a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the earthy flavors of eggplant and artichokes with the briny taste of olives. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that often feature eggplant and artichokes. The combination of these ingredients with olives creates a unique and tasty flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 baby eggplants, quartered
- 2.5 cups canned peeled tomatoes with juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz or 397 g) artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 1 cup pitted black olives
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil leaves (optional)
How to prepare
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, lemon juice, and eggplant. Cook for 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in tomatoes, sugar, and tomato paste. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Add artichoke hearts and olives. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to a large bowl. Toss with the remaining olive oil.
- Add the tomato mixture and toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Variations
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute zucchini for the eggplant for a lighter dish.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the eggplant until it is lightly browned to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking helps to brighten the flavors of the dish.
- Tossing the cooked pasta with olive oil before adding the sauce helps to prevent it from sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the eggplant until it is tender but not mushy.
- Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious result.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use green olives instead of black olives for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the pasta and sauce separately and combine before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes contains approximately 8 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain sulfites from the canned tomatoes and artichokes.
Summary
Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Linguine with Olives, Eggplant and Artichokes is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of flavors and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, the air filled with the scent of tomatoes and basil from my garden. I had just finished harvesting some fresh vegetables when my neighbor, Mrs. Rossi, came over with a basket of ripe olives, eggplants, and artichokes.
Mrs. Rossi was a wonderful cook, and she had always been generous in sharing her recipes with me. As we sat in my kitchen, she began to tell me about a dish she had recently discovered while on a trip to Italy. It was a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with linguine, olives, eggplant, and artichokes.
I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients and knew I had to try making it myself. Mrs. Rossi graciously shared the recipe with me, along with some tips and tricks she had picked up along the way.
The first step was to prepare the vegetables. I sliced the eggplant into thin rounds and sprinkled them with salt to draw out any bitterness. Meanwhile, I trimmed the artichokes and removed the tough outer leaves, leaving only the tender hearts.
While the vegetables were resting, I cooked the linguine until al dente in a large pot of boiling salted water. As the pasta cooked, I heated some olive oil in a large skillet and added the sliced eggplant. I let it cook until it was golden brown and crispy on the edges, then added the artichoke hearts and olives.
The smell of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen as I added them to the skillet, along with a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. I let the vegetables simmer until they were tender and fragrant, then tossed in the cooked linguine.
I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. I plated the linguine with olives, eggplant, and artichokes and topped it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The first bite was a revelation – the flavors of the vegetables melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both hearty and light at the same time.
From that moment on, Linguine with Olives, Eggplant, and Artichokes became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Mrs. Rossi and the day she had shared her recipe with me.
Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and some fresh basil for a pop of color. But the heart of the dish – the combination of olives, eggplant, and artichokes – remains the same.
I am grateful to Mrs. Rossi for introducing me to this delicious dish, and I will always cherish the memory of that warm summer day in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of fresh vegetables and the laughter of good friends. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others and share a piece of myself with the world. And through recipes like Linguine with Olives, Eggplant, and Artichokes, I am able to keep those connections alive, one meal at a time.
Categories
| Artichoke Recipes | Black Olive Recipes | Eggplant Recipes | Italian Recipes | Linguine Recipes | Main Dish Pasta Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Vegan Main Dish Recipes | Vegan Pasta Recipes |