EGGPLANT, TOMATO AND FRESH RICOTTA FARFALLE

Eggplant, Tomato and Fresh Ricotta Farfalle image

Provided by MarraMamba

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice (1 1/4 pounds)
salt
3/4 lb farfalle pasta
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon finely chopped oregano
1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup fresh ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons shredded basil

Steps:

In a colander, toss the eggplant with 1 teaspoon of salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the farfalle until just al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the eggplant and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 5 minutes; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Wipe out the skillet.
Heat the olive oil in the skillet over moderately high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper and a pinch of black pepper. Cook, crushing the tomatoes, about 3 minutes. Add the farfalle, the reserved cooking water and the eggplant and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the pasta is heated through, 3 minutes; season with salt.
Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Top with the ricotta and basil and pass extra Parmesan at the table.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 645, Fat 31.7, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 10, Sodium 65.3, Carbohydrate 76.1, Fiber 8.3, Sugar 4.8, Protein 16