Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Classic Pasta alla Norma – A Taste of Sicily
Dive into the rich flavours and heritage of Sicily with this timeless Pasta alla Norma recipe. Ready in just about an hour!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400g short pasta of your choice
- ✓ 16 large fresh basil leaves
- ✓ 2 aubergines
- ✓ vegetable oil for frying
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ tomato sauce
- ✓ 200g ricotta salata
- ✓ salt
📊 Nutritional Information
Pasta alla Norma is a quintessential Sicilian dish, especially cherished in the city of Catania. Named in honour of Vincenzo Bellini’s famous opera 'Norma', this pasta celebrates the island’s vibrant culinary tradition. Picture fragrant, fresh tomato sauce mingling with aromatic basil and crispy fried aubergines. Ideal for a sunny summer lunch or a cosy evening with friends, this dish brings the colours and tastes of Sicily right to your table for an unforgettable experience.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Rinse the aubergines, peel them if you like, and slice into rounds.
- 2
Lay the aubergine slices in a colander, sprinkling each layer generously with sea salt to draw out any bitterness. Leave them to rest for an hour.
- 3
Rinse the slices thoroughly to remove the salt, pat dry, then chop into cubes.
- 4
Fry the aubergine cubes in plenty of hot vegetable oil until golden and crisp, then drain on kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.
- 5
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- 6
Grate the ricotta salata finely and tear the basil leaves by hand.
- 7
Warm the tomato sauce in a pan with a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and half of the fried aubergines. Stir in the basil.
- 8
Drain the pasta and toss it well with the sauce to coat every strand.
- 9
Serve in bowls, scattering over the remaining aubergines and a generous grating of ricotta salata. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a little extra kick, stir in some chilli flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, bake the aubergines for a lighter, less oily option that still delivers on flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- • Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
- • Avoid freezing, as aubergines tend to lose their lovely texture.
🍷 Pairing
Pasta alla Norma pairs beautifully with a glass of Sicilian Sciacca Rosso Riserva – a robust, aromatic red that complements the dish’s bold flavours perfectly.
Why not bring a slice of Sicilian sunshine into your kitchen with this wonderful Pasta alla Norma? It’s simple, comforting, and full of character – perfect for sharing with family or friends on a warm summer’s evening. I’d love to hear how your version turns out, so do share your stories and enjoy every delicious mouthful!
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