Sal’s Pasta A La Norma

Directions

• ESTIMATED TIME: 10:00 MIN – Slice eggplant lengthwise 3/8 in think (leave the skin on.) Sprinkle with salt on both sides.
• ESTIMATED TIME: 45:00 MIN – Place in a strainer with weight on top (I placed 5 heavy cereal bowls on top) for approximately 45 minutes. Remove the eggplant, and pat the excess water off with a towel.
• ESTIMATED TIME: 10:00 MIN – Cut eggplant into cubes. Fry eggplant in grapeseed or pure olive oil until golden. Remove and place on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off excess oil.
• ESTIMATED TIME: 10:00 MIN – In a large frying pan, add 1 jar Sal’s sauce, and bring to a simmer. Add ½ cheese and stir into sauce. Add eggplant (can reserve some for garnish), extra virgin olive oil, and basil (can reserve some for garnish.) Stir. Reduce temperature to low. Add cooked pasta directly from boiling water. Salt & pepper to taste, mix, and garnish with the remainder of cheese, basil, and eggplant.