Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant

Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant Recipe

Region / culture: Northern Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of eggplant, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests.

History

This recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors of Northern Italy, where eggplant is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of eggplant, tomatoes, and pasta creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to please.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) penne pasta
0.25 cup olive oil
1.5 tsp dried oregano
1 small unpeeled eggplant, coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
3 unpeeled ripe tomatoes, cubed
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and set aside.
Keep the pasta warm.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir in the oregano, then add the eggplant and tomatoes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the parsley, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and peppers.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
Pour the eggplant mixture over the cooked pasta and toss with the Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.
Note: You can prepare the sauce a few days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Just heat the sauce and serve it over cooked pasta.
Consider making a double batch, as it tastes even better the next day.

Variations

Add some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute zucchini for the eggplant for a lighter dish.
Add some fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it doesn't become mushy when combined with the eggplant sauce.

- Make sure to chop the eggplant into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- For a richer flavor, you can roast the eggplant in the oven before adding it to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a side salad and a glass of red wine.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the eggplant until it is tender but not mushy.

- Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving to ensure that it is well coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta for this dish, such as spaghetti or penne.

- Feel free to use any type of cheese in place of Parmesan, such as mozzarella or feta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce a few days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just heat the sauce and serve it over cooked pasta when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a large pasta bowl and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.

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

One serving of this dish contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The main source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the pasta and the tomatoes. One serving of this dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil and Parmesan cheese in this dish provide healthy fats. One serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The Parmesan cheese in this dish is a good source of protein. One serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and eggplant, as well as calcium and vitamin A from the Parmesan cheese.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With a rich and flavorful sauce made from eggplant, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Italian dishes, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the rich aroma of garlic and tomatoes simmering on the stove. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe to share with you today," she said, as she handed me a worn piece of paper.

The recipe was for Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant, a dish that Maria had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. It was a labor of love, requiring hours of preparation and simmering to bring out the rich flavors of the ingredients. Maria explained each step to me in detail, emphasizing the importance of patience and attention to detail.

Together, we chopped fresh eggplant, tomatoes, and garlic, savoring the familiar scents of our childhood. Maria showed me how to season the vegetables just right, using a blend of herbs and spices that she had carefully chosen. As the sauce bubbled on the stove, she taught me how to cook the pasta al dente, ensuring that it would be the perfect complement to the hearty sauce.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the dish was finally ready. Maria and I sat down at her small kitchen table, savoring each bite of the rich and flavorful pasta. The eggplant was tender and savory, the sauce was tangy and robust, and the pasta was perfectly cooked. It was a meal fit for a king, and I couldn't believe that I had helped to create it.

From that day on, Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a special connection to Maria and her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe with such care and love.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought back memories of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and flavors of my heritage.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. I know that one day, they too will cherish this recipe, passed down through the generations with love and care. And I hope that they will remember the story of how their grandmother learned to make it, and the special memories that it holds for me.