Pasta alla norma
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Pasta alla norma is one of the best-loved traditional Sicilian dishes, a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean. This simple and tasty recipe originated in Catania as a homage to Vincenzo Bellini’s opera “Norma”. Thanks to the use of authentic ingredients such as aubergine, tomatoes, and a generous sprinkling of Grana Padano DOP, Pasta alla Norma satisfies every palate.
Ingredients
320 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, rigatoni or fusilli, to taste)
2 large aubergines
400 g tomato puree
2 cloves of garlic
Fresh basil to taste
80 g grated Grana Padano PDO
Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (if necessary)
Preparation:
STEP 1
Wash the aubergine and cut them into thin slices. Sprinkle them with salt and leave them in a colander for about 30 minutes to remove the excess water. Rinse, dry and fry in hot oil until golden brown. For a lighter version, you can bake them in the oven with a little oil.
STEP 2
In a frying pan, heat a little extra virgin olive oil with the crushed garlic cloves. Add the tomato puree, a pinch of salt and pepper, and leave to simmer for about 20 minutes. Add a few leaves of fresh basil to enhance the flavour.
STEP 3
Bring plenty of salted water to the boil and cook the chosen pasta al dente. Spaghetti alla Norma is a classic, but penne, fusilli or rigatoni also go well with the sauce.
STEP 4
Drain the pasta and pour it into the pan with the sauce, mixing well to amalgamate the flavours. Add the fried aubergines and a generous sprinkling of Grana Padano PDO. Decorate with a few basil leaves and serve hot.
Curiosities and tips
Are you curious about Pasta alla Norma? Here are some trivia and tips for you.
TIPS 1 What to pair with Pasta alla Norma?
A good glass of Sicilian red wine, such as a Nero d’Avola, will enhance the rich flavours of the dish. For a side dish, a fresh salad is ideal.
TIPS 2 Why is it called norma?
The name celebrates the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, considered as much a masterpiece as this recipe.
TIPS 3 Which aubergine for Pasta alla Norma?
Round black aubergines are perfect for their sweet and meaty flesh, but violets are also great.
TIPS 4 How many calories does a plate of Pasta alla Norma have?
One dish contains about 450-500 calories, depending on the method of cooking the aubergines.
With this recipe for Pasta alla Norma, you’ll bring a piece of Sicily to the table – rich in taste and tradition.
Try preparing it now and delight your guests!
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