Smoky Griddled Aubergine Pasta with Ricotta
Charred aubergines, tomatoes, and red onion create a smoky foundation for this pasta dish. Whole aubergines collapse on a smoking griddle while cherry tomatoes soften alongside, then their flesh mingles with al dente calamarata. Ricotta dollops and capers finish each bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat a griddle pan until smoking.
- 2
Drizzle whole eggplant with oil and griddle, turning regularly, until charred all over and collapsing.
- 3
After 20 minutes of cooking the eggplant, drizzle tomatoes and onion with oil and add to the griddle.
- 4
Turn the vegetables regularly for 10 minutes more until charred and softened, then set aside.
- 5
Halve the eggplant and spoon the flesh into a bowl, discarding the skin.
- 6
Add the other charred vegetables to the bowl, season with salt and vinegar, then set aside.
- 7
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to packet instructions until al dente.
- 8
Reserve a cupful of pasta water and drain the pasta well.
- 9
Brush the eggplant chunks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- 10
Griddle the chunks for 1-2 minutes until tender.
- 11
Return the pasta to its cooking pan and over low heat, stir in the charred vegetable mixture along with the eggplant chunks and most of the ricotta.
- 12
Add a splash of pasta water and a glug of olive oil to loosen if needed.
- 13
Divide among bowls and top with capers, remaining ricotta, and basil.
Tips
Reserve pasta water before draining to help loosen the final dish.
A smoking griddle is essential for charring and collapsing the whole aubergines.
Stir the pasta mixture over low heat to prevent breaking the ricotta.
Good to Know
Leftover pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Char the vegetables several hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Complete the dish close to serving.
Divide among bowls while the pasta is still warm. Drizzle additional olive oil if desired.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip turning the whole aubergines regularly to avoid uneven charring and cooking.
Do not add all ricotta at once over high heat to avoid it breaking or clumping.
Do not drain the pasta water before reserving it to avoid being unable to loosen the final dish.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
source mentions as alternative