Pasta Alla Norma "Nuda"

Serves: 6

Branson Greenfelder

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

40

Spice

43

Sweetness

50

Sourness

39

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.5

Difficulty

Ingredients:

910 g

Rigatoni

Directions:

1

Bring a large 10- to-12-quart pot of water to a boil over high heat

2

Preheat a grill (wood, charcoal or gas) to medium-high direct heat, or, alternately follow this recipe using an indoor stovetop

3

(Please note, if cooking on a grill, be sure your pan is heavy-bottomed and doesn't have plastic handles

4

) Add the oil to a large pan set on the grill grate

5

Once hot, add the onions and saute until soft, but don't let them brown

6

Add the red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, but don't let them burn

7

Add the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper

8

Simmer the sauce on a medium-low flame, about 20 minutes

9

Thrive for balance in the consistency of the sauce; it has to be fluid, but it should not look wet

10

If the sauce is liquidy, cook it a bit more

11

Meanwhile, sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and pepper

12

Drizzle the eggplant with some oil, and grill in batches, until they are marked by the grill and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side

13

Transfer the eggplant to a large plate or sheet tray and allow to cool slightly

14

Slice the grilled eggplant into smaller, bite-size pieces

15

Add the eggplant to the sauce, along with the bay leaves

16

Once the pot of water is at a boil, and the sauce has been simmering, add the 2 tablespoons salt to the water

17

Add the rigatoni

18

Cook until al dente, then drain well

19

Add the rigatoni to the sauce and toss

20

Remove the bay leaves before serving

21

Serve with basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano at the table as an optional garnish for guests