Pasta Wheels & Eggplant Gratin Recipe
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ruote pasta, often referred to as Cartwheel or Wagon Wheel pasta due to its unique shape, comes together beautifully in this hearty Pasta Wheels & Eggplant Gratin. This one-pot dish is a delightful medley of creamy pasta, savory vegetables, and grilled eggplant, all topped with gooey Gouda cheese, creating a comforting, family-friendly meal. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the rich flavors make it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. You can experiment by using your favorite vegetables or substitute the Gouda cheese with Mozzarella or Parmesan for a different twist. Perfect for a vegetarian dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ruote Pasta (Del Monte) | 1 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4-5 tablespoons |
| Sweet Corn (Del Monte, drained) | 1/4 cup |
| Del Monte Black Olives (halved) | 7-8 pieces |
| Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce (Del Monte) | 1/2 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves, minced |
| Soy Granules | 1/4 cup, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained |
| Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 1, sliced into rounds |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1-2 teaspoons, crushed |
| Basil Leaves | 2 sprigs, torn |
| Parsley Leaves | 2 sprigs, chopped |
| Gouda Cheese (shredded or crumbled) | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 3-4 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the gratin to bake. -
Cook the Pasta
Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the Ruote pasta and cook for about 7 minutes, ensuring it remains al dente. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Set aside. -
Prepare the Eggplant
Sprinkle some salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps to remove excess moisture. After 10 minutes, wash the slices thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and grill the eggplant slices until brown grill marks appear and they become slightly soft, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once grilled, season with salt and pepper. Set aside. -
Cook the Vegetable Filling
In a wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
Stir in the sweet corn, soaked soy granules, and a pinch of salt. Cook until all the water from the soy granules has evaporated.
Remove from heat and mix in the tomato basil pasta sauce along with the red chili flakes. Add half of the chopped basil and parsley, reserving some for garnish. -
Assemble the Gratin
In a baking dish, arrange a layer of grilled eggplant slices at the bottom, covering the surface completely.
Spoon half of the vegetable sauce mixture over the eggplant, spreading it evenly. Top with a tablespoon or two of whole wheat bread crumbs and half of the shredded Gouda cheese.
Spread the cooked pasta evenly over this layer, followed by another layer of the vegetable sauce.
Add the remaining eggplant slices on top, tucking the halved black olives between the slices. Finish by sprinkling the remaining bread crumbs and cheese on top. -
Bake the Gratin
Place the assembled gratin into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. -
Garnish and Serve
Once the gratin is done, remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining basil and parsley leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of this comforting dish.
Serving Suggestions
For a well-rounded meal, serve this Pasta Wheels & Eggplant Gratin alongside a refreshing Couscous Salad with Raw Mangoes or a slice of Quick Roasted Vegetable Bread Pizza. These side dishes complement the richness of the gratin and add a light, fresh contrast to the flavors.
Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make vegetarian dinner that brings together the best of Italian comfort food with healthy, flavorful ingredients!
Pro Tip:
Feel free to customize the vegetables used in the gratin. You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for additional flavor and texture. If you prefer a different cheese, Mozzarella or Parmesan works wonderfully in place of Gouda, giving the gratin a distinct taste.
