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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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All the delectable flavors of southern France. From Vegetarian Times Cooks Mediterranean. After I tried this, I decided my personal preference would be to add more tomatoes, because I like tomatoes and I prefer a higher sauce to pasta ratio. So, I recommend using 8 tomatoes instead of 5. I also changed the directions for chopping the eggplant to 1/2 inch instead of 1 so it will get a little softer and cook quicker. I really liked garlic breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on top so I recommend that as well. Enjoy. Ingredients:
1 lb pasta (radiatore or penne) |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
1 large onion, chopped |
1 large green bell peppers or 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped |
2 garlic cloves, minced |
1 small eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2 inch cubes |
1 lb plum tomato, ripe, chopped (about 5 medium) |
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste |
1/4 cup basil, shredded |
garlic breadcrumbs (optional) |
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional) or parmesan soy cheese (optional) |
Directions:
1. Start large pot of water to boil for pasta.
2. In large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the eggplant and tomatoes and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes release their juices, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, start cooking the pasta according to package directions.
5. While the vegetables are still cooking, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the water. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl. Add vegetables to pasta.
6. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring, until reduced slightly. Add to pasta and vegetables and toss to combine.
7. Serve pasta topped with basil, garlic bread crumbs and grated parmesan or soy cheese, if desired.
8. NOTE: Sauteed garlic crumbs can be made with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, minced, and 1 3/4 cups soft whole wheat or white bread crumbs, cubed. In large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until opaque but not brown. Addd the bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until the crumbs turn golden, 5-8 minutes. Scrape crumbs on paper towels and let cool.
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