Pasta alla norma (Sicilian eggplant pasta) combines eggplant with tomato sauce, pasta, and parmesan for a hearty and wholesome meal! It is a wonderful summery recipe that can be enjoyed any time of the year!
Clean and dice the eggplant into around 1-inch pieces.
Drizzle with oil and toss well to coat the pieces (in a bowl or straight on a parchment-lined baking sheet).
Place the eggplant pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket then cook:In the oven: Bake for 25-35 minutes in a preheated oven at 400ºF/200ºC, flipping once halfway.In the air fryer: Cook for 15-20 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC, flipping once halfway (or at least shake the basket).
Cook the pasta
Meanwhile, as the eggplant cooks, cook the pasta according to the pasta instructions. I recommend undercooking it by 2-3 minutes as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
Once cooked, drain the pasta but save some of the pasta water (about 1 cup - it helps the sauce to adhere to the pasta better).
Make the pasta sauce and assemble
Finely chop the onion and garlic (do this in the last 5 minutes of the eggplant baking time). Add them to a large preheated skillet over medium heat and allow them to saute for 1-2 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and spices and stir well to combine before adding the peeled plum tomatoes (the sauce included). Mash the tomatoes lightly with your spoon and stir well.At this point, if wanted, you can add some of the pasta water - start with 1-2 Tbsp and add more until you achieve the consistency you like.
Add the cooked eggplant and pasta and stir well. Give it a quick taste and adjust any of the seasonings if needed. Serve, topped with cheese and fresh basil, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
To store: Store the pasta alla norma combined or store the pasta and eggplant sauce separately. Allow to cool and then store, covered, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before reheating. To reheat: If combined, the eggplant pasta can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If separate, reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop. To reheat the pasta, add it to a pot of boiling water to heat through for around 1 minute.