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Pasta alla Norma "Nuda"

Pasta alla Norma is traditionally made with garlic as well as onion and has a garnish of ricotta salata. This is my take on an original recipe hence the title "Nuda". Feel free to change it up to your liking.

Recipe courtesy Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar
Show: Extra Virgin Episode: Jetlaggin' in Italy

Photo: Pasta alla Norma "Nuda"

TOTAL TIME: 40 min
Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 30 min
 
YIELD: 8 to 10 servings
LEVEL: Easy

ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 small red onion, diced small
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • Three 15-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 2 tablespoons salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for sprinkling
  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 fresh bay leaves
  • 2 pounds rigatoni
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish, optional
  • Parmigiano Reggiano, for serving, optional
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Directions

Bring a large 10- to-12-quart pot of water to a boil over high heat.

Preheat a grill (wood, charcoal or gas) to medium-high direct heat, or, alternately follow this recipe using an indoor stovetop. (Please note, if cooking on a grill, be sure your pan is heavy-bottomed and doesn't have plastic handles.)

Add the oil to a large pan set on the grill grate. Once hot, add the onions and saute until soft, but don't let them brown. Add the red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, but don't let them burn. Add the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce on a medium-low flame, about 20 minutes. Thrive for balance in the consistency of the sauce; it has to be fluid, but it should not look wet. If the sauce is liquidy, cook it a bit more.

Meanwhile, sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and pepper. Drizzle the eggplant with some oil, and grill in batches, until they are marked by the grill and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the eggplant to a large plate or sheet tray and allow to cool slightly. Slice the grilled eggplant into smaller, bite-size pieces. Add the eggplant to the sauce, along with the bay leaves.

Once the pot of water is at a boil, and the sauce has been simmering, add the 2 tablespoons salt to the water. Add the rigatoni. Cook until al dente, then drain well. Add the rigatoni to the sauce and toss.

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve with basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano at the table as an optional garnish for guests.

Notes

Cook's Note: Canned tomatoes vary brand by brand. Some have more water content. If you find your sauce is watery, cook it a little longer.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 4 reviews

  • on May 07, 2013

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    This dish was so good! I love eggplant and this was the perfect way to eat it! I also added mushrooms to mine and it was even more delicious!! Great recipe, on a great show!

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  • on April 25, 2013

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    I'm making this right now! the sauce is awesome! this is the first time I've bought the San Marzano canned tomatoes, and boy does it make a difference! I have to tell you all...don't buy cheap store brands!!!! it makes you sauce way less flavorful! and I usually roast my own tomatoes to make my sauce, but they aren't always in season, and don't taste great ll the time! I can't wait till my tomatoes on my patio are ready to eat, and when they are I will make this sauce again with them! the tomato bubs are the size of a dime, so it might be awhile. nevertheless I love this TV show. I find the couple very entertaining and a loving family that like me loves to cook like my family. I'm so happy to have this show, and recipes to look forward to \m/

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on March 25, 2013

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    This recipe sounds delightful. My husband and I don't eat much meat anymore, so I look for pasta dishes that are vegetarian. I will be trying this soon.

    people found this review Helpful.
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