Spicy Eggplant Pasta Recipe

Spicy Eggplant Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender roasted eggplant with a spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals and is great for vegetarians or anyone seeking a hearty, veggie-packed pasta option.

Spicy Eggplant Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Eggplant:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Toss the cubed eggplant with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Spread the eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender, stirring halfway through. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the eggplant roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
   • Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then stir in the crushed tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Stir the roasted eggplant into the tomato sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.
   • Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let it cook together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
   • Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the spicy eggplant pasta with grated Parmesan (if using) and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
   • For extra heat, sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top.

Tips:

• You can make this dish even spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Spicy Eggplant Pasta!