Vegan Pasta Alla Norma Vegan Eggplant Pasta Recipes

Steps:

• Cut the eggplant into 4 quarters lengthwise. If they've got seedy, fluffy centers, remove them and chuck them away. Then cut the eggplants across the length, into finger-sized pieces or chunks.
• Get a large pan nice and hot and add a little oil. Fry the eggplants in two batches, adding a little extra oil if you need to.
• Give the eggplants a toss so the oil coats every single piece of the eggplant.
• Using a pair of tongs, turn the pieces of eggplant until golden on all sides. Remove to a plate and do the same with the next batch.
• When the eggplants are all cooked, add the first batch back to the pan add the dried red chili.
• Turn the heat down to medium and add a little oil, the garlic, and the basil stems. Stir so everything gets evenly cooked, then add a swig of white wine vinegar and the cans or fresh tomatoes.
• Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, then taste and correct the seasoning.
• Tear up half the basil leaves, add to the sauce, and toss around.
• Put the spaghetti into a pan of salted boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. When it's done, drain, reserving a little of the water, and put it back into the pan.
• Add the sauce and a little of the reserved cooking water and toss together then back on the heat.
• Taste, and adjusting the seasoning and divide between your plates by twirling the pasta into a ladle for each portion. Any sauce left in the pan can be spooned over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining basil.

Steps:

• Wash eggplants, cut off the ends, and cut into 1/3-inch slices. Layer eggplant slices in a large bowl, sprinkling coarse salt over each layer. Let sit for at least 2 hours to draw out any bitterness.
• In the meantime, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook garlic until browned, about 2 minutes. Remove garlic. Add peeled tomatoes and bring to a boil; cook until tomatoes start breaking down, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 2/3 of the basil and simmer for another 3 minutes.
• Rinse eggplant slices under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Cut into small cubes.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
• Mix eggplant pieces into the tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat. Stir in ricotta and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and remaining basil. Mix in drained spaghetti and cook until warm, about 3 minutes.