Mediterranean Pasta (Pasta alla Mediterranea)
Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortiglioni pasta | 400g |
| Red bell peppers | 450g |
| Zucchini | 200g |
| Eggplant | 450g |
| Onions | 100g |
| Canned peeled tomatoes | 400g |
| Spicy provolone cheese | to taste |
| Sunflower oil | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Table salt | to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by cleaning and chopping the onion finely. Next, clean and slice the red bell peppers. Heat a bit of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onions for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Add the bell peppers and sauté them for another few minutes. Stir in the canned, chopped peeled tomatoes and let the mixture cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. -
-
Fry the Eggplants:
While the sauce simmers, prepare the eggplant. Peel the eggplants, then cut them into 2-3 cm cubes. Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F) and fry the eggplant cubes in batches until they turn golden and crispy. Once fried, transfer the eggplant cubes to a paper towel to drain excess oil. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the fried eggplants to the pan with the simmering sauce. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together while the pasta cooks. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortiglioni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the pasta water. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked tortiglioni directly into the pan with the vegetable sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. If necessary, add a little pasta water to help the sauce come together. -
Finish and Serve:
Grate some spicy provolone cheese over the pasta, giving it a rich, tangy finish. Mix everything together and adjust the salt to taste. Serve hot and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired pasta that’s bursting with flavor.
This Mediterranean Pasta combines the best of summer vegetables and robust flavors for a dish that’s both satisfying and light. Perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends, this recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table in no time! Enjoy it with a side of your favorite crusty bread for an even more delightful meal.
