Jamie Oliver
"This is a classic Sicilian pasta dish that everyone on the island grows up eating. (I haven't got a clue who Norma is, but I'm sure she's a good old girl!) I like this particular version because the aubergines are cut into strips rather than diced into cubes, and for some reason this seems to make them taste different. Also, adding oregano when frying the aubergines works so well. In Sicily the dish is finished off with salted ricotta - now, even though I can get hold of this easily in London, you might have some difficulty sourcing it, so feel free to use Parmesan or pecorino instead
"PS: In the picture I crumbled over some fresh ricotta instead of using the harder salted ricotta, as it works just as well"
1. First of all, get your nice firm aubergines and cut them into quarters lengthways. If they've got seedy fluffy centres, remove them and chuck them away. Then cut the aubergines across the length, into finger-sized pieces. Get a large non-stick pan nice and hot and add a little oil. Fry the aubergines in two batches, adding a little extra oil if you need to (but you don't want to make it too greasy). Give the aubergines a toss so the oil coats every single piece and then sprinkle with some of the dried oregano - this will make them taste fantastic. Using a pair of tongs, turn the pieces of aubergine until golden on all sides. Once you've done the first batch, remove to a plate and do the same with the second batch.
2. When the aubergines are all cooked, add the first batch back to the pan - at this point I sometimes add a sneaky dried red chilli, but that's my addiction coming through so feel free to ignore this! Turn the heat down to medium and add a little oil, the garlic and the basil stalks. Stir so everything gets evenly cooked, then add a swig of herb vinegar and the tins of tomatoes, which you can chop or whiz up so they're not too chunky. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, then taste and correct the seasoning with salt and pepper. Tear up half the basil leaves, add to the sauce and toss around.
3. Get your spaghetti into a pan of salted boiling water and cook according to the packet instructions. When it's al dente, drain it in a colander, reserving a little of the cooking water, and put it back into the pan. Add the Norma sauce and a little of the reserved cooking water and toss together back on the heat. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning, then divide between your plates by twizzling the pasta into a ladle for each portion. Any sauce left in the pan can be spooned over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining basil leaves and the grated cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
Recipe taken from Jamie's Italy by Jamie Oliver (Michael Joseph)
© Jamie Oliver 2005. All rights reserved
Photography © David Loftus. All rights reserved
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