INGREDIENTS

  • 1lb eggplant (2 to 3) of the “Nera” or “Seta” variety (Black Beauty in the U.S.)
  • 7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2lb tomatoes of the Roma, San Marzano or datterino variety
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • kosher salt for seasoning
  • 7 tablespoons peanut (or sunflower seeds) oil for frying
  • 12 ounces pasta (sedani, maccheroni, penne rigate or mafalde)
  • ¾ tablespoon coarse salt for the pasta water
  • 2 oz ricotta salata cheese
  • 1 large sprig fresh basil

GUIDE / INSTRUCTIONS

For the Pasta alla Norma
  • Slice and salt the eggplants; place a weight on them (see article) and let them “sweat” for 30’. Rinse and pat dry.
  • Cut your tomatoes and toss in a pan coated with evoo; add in the garlic, whole, unpeeled and smashed with the side of your knife; salt to taste, bring to a simmer and let them soften until half reduced, about 15-20’. Remove from the heat.
  • In a large pan heat up your frying oil and fry your eggplant slices in batches until golden on both sides (turn them halfway through); reserve some of the frying oil and transfer the fried slices onto a large plate covered in paper towel, barely salting them.
  • In a large pot bring your pasta water to a boil and salt it; add your pasta and cook it until al dente (normally 2 minutes less than what’s printed on the pasta package.)
  • Remove the garlic cloves from the tomatoes and pass them through your mill, spooning them in little by little; adjust for salt if necessary, but consider the ricotta and eggplant will also add more salt.
  • Once your pasta is ready, strain it in a colander and toss it with the tomato sauce, one tablespoon of the reserved frying oil and a few of the eggplant slices.
  • If you don’t want to do it family-style (see the article), you can assemble each plate individually: pasta first, then more sauce, a drizzle of eggplant frying oil, more eggplant, grated ricotta salata and basil. Enjoy!

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Silversea is an ultra-luxury cruise line known for its all-inclusive, intimate, and expedition-focused voyages, offering a variety of itineraries across all seven continents with a focus on immersive experiences and destination-based gastronomy. Silversea operates a fleet of small, luxury ships and expedition vessels, designed for a more personalized and immersive travel experience. Silversea’s voyages include butler service in every suite category, a choice of restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining, premium beverages, and private executive transfers and flights as standard. Silversea offers a wide range of itineraries, from classic voyages to expedition cruises, visiting remote and remarkable destinations across all seven continents, with a focus on cultural immersion and wildlife encounters. Silversea’s expedition ships and itineraries cater to travelers seeking authentic, hands-on adventures in uncharted destinations, with expert guides and opportunities to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats. Their ships range in size from 51 to 364 suites, ensuring each guest finds the perfect balance between choice and intimacy. Silversea offers a variety of dining options, including gourmet French fare, international dishes, and flexible dining schedules. Silversea is now 100% part of the Royal Caribbean Group as of 2020.

Enjoy this Pasta alla Norma Recipe while you are planning your next Silversea cruise!

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