Pasta alla Norma

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:36:10 GMT

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius

Step 2

Using a peeler and working from top to bottom of each aubergine, shave off long alternating strips of peel so they look striped like zebras. Cut widthways into 1 cm thick slices and place in a bowl with 75 mL of oil, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and a generous grind of pepper. Mix well then spread out in two large parchment-lined baking trays. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until dark golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 3

Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a sauté pan and place on a medium high heat. Add the garlic and chillies and fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is golden-brown. Add the tomatoes, oregano, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a grind of pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce is thick. Remove the oregano sprigs and stir in the aubergine. Set aside.

Step 4

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente, then strain, retaining some cooking water. Add the spaghetti to the sauce and mix well, adding 2/3 of the pecorino and basil, and a few tablespoons of the cooking water if the sauce has become too thick.

Step 5

Divide the spaghetti between four shallow balls, then top with the remaining pecorino, basil and a tablespoon of oil, and serve.

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