the Breville Test Kitchen
Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes with Rigatoni
It doesn’t get any easier than this version of the traditional pasta alla Norma. There’s no sauteing or stirring, just place the pan in the oven and let the oven do the work while the pasta cooks away.
35 mins total time
10 mins active time
Easy
Serves 4
Ingredients
Measurements:
1 medium eggplant (about 450g)
680 g cherry or grape tomatoes
6 cloves garlicminced
1½ tsp kosher saltplus extra to season
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red chili flakes
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
450 g rigatoni
¼ cup (40 g) pitted sliced Kalamata olivesliced in half
10 basil leavesthinly sliced
Grated parmesan cheeseto serve
Instructions
- 1Insert the wire rack in the middle position. Set the oven to Roast, Convection, 230°C, for 30 minutes and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 2Cut the eggplant into approximately 1cm cubes and place in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, garlic, salt, oregano, chili flakes and oil and toss to combine. Transfer to the roasting pan.
- 3Once preheated, place the pan in the oven and cook for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta.
- 4Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and season well with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup (120ml) of the cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
- 5The eggplant should be very tender when pierced with a small knife. If not, cook it a little longer.
- 6Add the tomato mixture and ¼ cup (60ml) of the reserved cooking liquid to loosen the sauce. Add more cooking liquid, if needed. Top with the olives and basil and finish with parmesan.
