This traditional Sicilian dish is bursting with flavor and has become a staple in Italian cuisine. Named after the famous opera "Norma" by Vincenzo Bellini, this dish is a tribute to the beautiful island of Sicily, where eggplant and tomatoes are plentiful.

– rigatoni pasta – eggplants – ricotta salata – tomatoes – garlic – basil – fine salt – extra virgin olive oil

How to Make It

1

In a large saucepan sauté the garlic cloves in a little oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes.

Buy Now

2

Place the tomatoes in a food mill and pass through it. You will get a juicy and smooth tomato sauce.

3

Return the tomato sauce to the saucepan and add a pinch of salt to taste. Simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.

4

Thinly slice the eggplant. Then fry them in extra virgin olive oil. When they are golden brown, drain them with a slotted spoon. Finally, add salt to taste.

Add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain and pour directly into the saucepan. Stir well to season.

5

6

Grate a lot of ricotta salata. Finally, place the pasta seasoned with the tomato sauce in a serving dish, place some fried eggplant on top, sprinkle with a little grated ricotta salata, add a few basil leaves to decorate and serve.

FULL RECIPE ON recipesfromitaly.com