π Eggplant (Aubergine) Sauce for Pasta Recipe π
Overview:
This delightful Eggplant Sauce for Pasta recipe is a gem from the pages of Chatelaine magazine, perfect for those times when eggplant is in season or on special. It’s a wholesome, vegetarian option that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and some warm, homemade bread. Dive into a world of flavors with this savory sauce that’s easy to whip up in your kitchen!
Recipe Information:
- Category: Sauces
- Keywords: Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups
- Calories per serving: 133.1
- Nutritional Info per serving:
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 6.1mg
- Sodium: 847.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 26.8g
- Fiber: 8.2g
- Sugar: 14.5g
- Protein: 4.3g
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | Onion |
1 | Celery stalk |
1/2 | Green pepper |
3 | Garlic cloves |
1 | Tablespoon butter |
1 | Eggplant |
1 | Can crushed tomatoes |
1 | Tablespoon tomato paste |
1 | Teaspoon dried basil |
1 | Teaspoon dried oregano |
1 | Teaspoon sugar |
1/2 | Teaspoon salt |
1/4 | Teaspoon pepper |
– | Spaghetti or pasta |
– | Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic cloves.
-
SautΓ© the Vegetables:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic to the saucepan.
- SautΓ© the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant.
-
Cook the Eggplant:
- Peel the eggplant and cut it into small cubes.
- Add the eggplant cubes to the saucepan with the sautΓ©ed vegetables.
- Cook the eggplant for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.
- Allow the flavors to meld together for about 30 minutes.
- Stir the sauce occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain the cooked pasta once it is al dente.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta with a generous amount of the eggplant sauce.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.
-
Enjoy!
- Dive into this delicious Eggplant (Aubergine) Sauce for Pasta, savoring the rich flavors and tender eggplant pieces.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty homemade bread for a satisfying meal.
- This sauce also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later for a quick and easy meal.
Tips:
-
Eggplant Selection: Look for eggplants that are firm, shiny, and without blemishes. The smaller ones tend to have fewer seeds and a sweeter flavor.
-
Cooking Eggplant: If you’re not a fan of the texture of eggplant, you can salt it beforehand to draw out some of the moisture. Simply sprinkle salt over the cubed eggplant, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.
-
Customize the Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
-
Make it Vegan: Easily make this sauce vegan by swapping out the butter for olive oil. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
-
Freezing the Sauce: This sauce freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm on the stove.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Eggplant (Aubergine) Sauce for Pasta, a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and omnivores alike. With tender eggplant, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato base, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it up with your favorite pasta, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness! π πΏ