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Fusilli with Tomato Sauce, Eggplant, and Ricotta Salata

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound Japanese or other small eggplant
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt
2 cups Simple Tomato Sauce (page 264)
1/4 cup basil chiffonade
3/4 pound fusilli
1/4 pound grated ricotta salata or pecorino cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Trim and cut into thin slices: 1 pound Japanese or other small eggplant.

    Step 2

    Salt and let drain for 15 minutes. Heat in a heavy pan: 1/2 cup olive oil.

    Step 3

    Pat the eggplant dry and fry until golden brown in the hot oil. Drain and season with: Salt.

    Step 4

    In a large saucepan, heat together: 2 cups Simple Tomato Sauce (page 264), 1/4 cup basil chiffonade.

    Step 5

    Cook in abundant salted boiling water: 3/4 pound fusilli.

    Step 6

    Drain, reserving 1/2 cup water, and toss with the tomato sauce and the fried eggplant. Taste for salt and thin with pasta water as needed. Serve, garnished with: 1/4 pound grated ricotta salata or pecorino cheese.

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