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+ servings

Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane)

This recipe is very simple, but requires a bit more time than most spaghetti recipes because of the need to prepare the spaghetti topping in two stages:
STAGE 1: preparation of the aubergines
STAGE 2: preparation of the base sauce
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the aubergines preparation:

  • 1 Large aubergine (check "preparing aubergines" - see note below) Note: "preparing aubergine" is featured in the top tips of the website.
  • Sunflower oil for deep frying (if you want to add some extra flavour to the aubergine, you can use a mild or light olive oil available in the supermarket)

For the base sauce (Metric & Imperial measurements):

  • 400 grams (14 oz) Spaghetti 
  • 400 grams (14 oz) Sieved tomatoes (the thinner the better - the seedless the better)
  • 60 ml (2 fl oz) Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Big shallot (finely chopped)
  • 1 Clove of garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 Red chilli - medium hot (thinly sliced)
  • 10 Baby tomatoes (halved)
  • Basil leaves
  • Salt for seasoning

Instructions
 

Directions (STAGE 1): 

  • Put enough sunflower oil in the pan to allow deep frying of the aubergine slices.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Cut the ends off the aubergine and then cut the aubergine in half, longways. Slice one half in order to have half moon shapes and the other half to give long strips. Half moons and strips should be finely sliced; approx. no more than 2 mm (1/16") thick.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Heat the oil and when it is ready for frying, add the half moons. Fry until the half moons become golden brown. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and lay the slices onto kitchen paper.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Do the same as above with the strips.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Finally, cover the deep fried aubergine slices with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Having completed this operation, season with salt.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes

Directions (STAGE 2):

  • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan. Add the finely chopped shallot and sweat over a low heat for about 3 minutes until it is soft and golden.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Add the chopped garlic...
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • ...and chilli together and stir for another 2-3 minutes.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Add the sieved tomatoes
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Stir for 4-5 minutes.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Add a pinch of salt.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • Finally, add the baby tomatoes and stir for 1 minute. Then remove the saucepan from the cooker to avoid the baby tomatoes overcooking.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes
  • When the spaghetti is ready, put the saucepan with the sauce onto the cooker again, pour the spaghetti in and stir thorougly on a medium-high heat for a few seconds. Then, add the aubergine slices, stir and finally top with the basil leaves. When served on the plate, everyone can top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
    Spaghetti with aubergines (Spaghetti con le melanzane) | Pasta recipes

Notes

Buon appetito!
Federico Pezzaioli

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcal
Keyword Pasta
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