Sicilian Style Spaghetti (or Spaghetti Squash) with Eggplant

Sicilian Style Spaghetti (or Spaghetti Squash) and Eggplant
INGREDIENTS

For the eggplant:

• 1-2 medium eggplants
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the spaghetti:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 fresh red chile, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup olives, pitted
• 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 3 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, drained and hand-crushed
• 1 tablespoon capers
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Pinch of sugar
• 1 pound spaghetti (or spaghetti squash)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese

DIRECTIONS

Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss them with 1/4 cup olive oil and some salt and pepper. Grill them until marks have formed and they are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place them onto a paper towel lined platter. Scatter over 2 cloves of sliced garlic, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the lemon juice, put on a few torn basil leaves, and season it all with salt and pepper. Set aside while you make the sauce.

If using spaghetti squash, follow recipe to simply roast spaghetti squash.

Coat a large sauté pan with olive oil and place over medium heat. Cook the onions until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the chile, garlic, olives and a few hand-torn basil leaves. Carefully add the tomatoes and a pinch of sugar; cook and stir until the liquid is cooked down and the sauce is thick, about 15 minutes. Add the capers, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover, and keep warm.

(if using squash, skip this step) Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the spaghetti. Stir to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick. Cover and return to a boil. Remove cover and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente.

Drain and add the spaghetti or squash to the tomato sauce. Add the cheese and mix well. Pile onto a platter and top it with the eggplant slices. Garnish with more basil leaves.

[print-me target=”.post-content”]