Skip to main content

Fusilli with Tomato Sauce, Eggplant, and Ricotta Salata

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound Japanese or other small eggplant
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt
2 cups Simple Tomato Sauce (page 264)
1/4 cup basil chiffonade
3/4 pound fusilli
1/4 pound grated ricotta salata or pecorino cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Trim and cut into thin slices: 1 pound Japanese or other small eggplant.

    Step 2

    Salt and let drain for 15 minutes. Heat in a heavy pan: 1/2 cup olive oil.

    Step 3

    Pat the eggplant dry and fry until golden brown in the hot oil. Drain and season with: Salt.

    Step 4

    In a large saucepan, heat together: 2 cups Simple Tomato Sauce (page 264), 1/4 cup basil chiffonade.

    Step 5

    Cook in abundant salted boiling water: 3/4 pound fusilli.

    Step 6

    Drain, reserving 1/2 cup water, and toss with the tomato sauce and the fried eggplant. Taste for salt and thin with pasta water as needed. Serve, garnished with: 1/4 pound grated ricotta salata or pecorino cheese.

The Art of Simple Food
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Chopped kimchi and soy sauce transform mellow tuna salad into your new favorite riff on the classic diner sandwich.