Mezze Maniche with Eggplant and Smoked Scamorza
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mezze Maniche Rigate | 240g |
| Eggplant | 250g |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 250g |
| Smoked Scamorza | 80g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Basil | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by cleaning the eggplant. Cut it into small cubes (about 1.5 – 2 cm). Place the cubes in a colander, add some weight on top, and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove the bitter water from the eggplant.
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Cook the Eggplant: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic clove (peeled) to the pan, allowing it to infuse the oil. Once the garlic has softened and released its aroma, add the eggplant cubes to the pan. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes until the eggplant is soft and golden.
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Prepare the Tomatoes and Cheese: While the eggplant is cooking, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Cut the smoked scamorza cheese into small cubes.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the mezze maniche rigate until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
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Combine the Ingredients: Once the eggplant is ready, add the quartered cherry tomatoes to the pan and stir. Then, toss in the drained pasta and a small bit of pasta water if needed to help mix everything together. Add the cubed scamorza cheese to the pan and quickly stir, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and become stringy.
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Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the pasta to serving plates, and finish with a few fresh basil leaves torn by hand on top.
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Enjoy: Your Mezze Maniche with Eggplant and Smoked Scamorza is ready to be enjoyed! This flavorful dish combines the richness of eggplant, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the smoky goodness of scamorza cheese.
Nutritional Information (approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
This recipe for Mezze Maniche with Eggplant and Smoked Scamorza is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner. The rich, smoky flavor of the cheese complements the earthy eggplant, while the fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Fresh basil provides a delightful finish to this simple yet satisfying dish. Serve it up for a comforting and delicious meal!
