Eggplant Tortino In A Kalamata Olive Marinara Sauce Recipes

PASTA ALLA NORMA RECIPE

Steps:

• Slice and Salt the Eggplant. Trim the eggplant and partially peel them in a striped pattern (zebra pattern). Slice them into ½ inch thick rounds. Season the eggplant slices with kosher salt on both sides and lay them flat for a few minutes (up to 30 minutes if you have the time). Wipe the eggplant dry and remove excess salt using a paper towel.
• Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Roast the eggplant. Brush the bottom of a large sheet pan (or two) with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange the eggplant slices in the pans in one single layer (eggplant slices should not overlap, each should be comfortably touching the bottom of the sheet pan). Roast in the heated oven until deeply golden brown, anywhere from 35 to 40 minutes, turning over mid-way through.
• Make the Sauce. Meanwhile, get going on the sauce. In a large deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, lower the heat and cook, tossing regularly, until the garlic gains a little bit of color. Add the tomatoes (with their juices), oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then lower the heat and let simmer briefly.
• When ready, add the roasted eggplant to sauce. Let simmer while you cook the pasta.
• Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions (mine took about 11 minutes). Drain and combine the pasta with the eggplant and sauce (if needed, add a little bit of the pasta water and toss until the pasta is well-coated). Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Add chopped parsley and grated ricotta salata cheese to finish.

TOMATO, EGGPLANT AND BLACK OLIVE SAUCE WITH ROSEMARY

Steps:

• Toss eggplant with 1 tablespoon salt in large colander. Set colander over bowl. Let stand 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to drain from eggplant. Using paper towels, pat eggplant dry.
• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, onions and garlic. Cook until eggplant is almost tender and beginning to brown, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Add rosemary; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juices and tomato paste. Simmer uncovered until flavors blend and sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Mix in olives and simmer 5 minutes longer. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving.)

KALAMATA OLIVE MARINARA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a pan.
• Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the wine and deglaze the pan.
• Add the tomatoes, kalamata olives, Italian herbs, bay leaf, salt and pepper and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the basil.
• Puree to the desired consistency. (optional).