Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with White Aubergines: A Simple Sicilian Elegance
A fresh and flavourful Sicilian pasta featuring golden fried aubergines, aromatic herbs and the savoury charm of salted ricotta.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320 g pasta of your choice
- ✓ 2 round aubergines
- ✓ 100 g salted ricotta
- ✓ 6 fresh basil leaves
- ✓ 4 mint leaves
- ✓ Vegetable oil for frying
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Pasta with white aubergines is a shining example of how Sicilian cooking turns simplicity into elegance.
In this recipe, Giuseppe Rizzo brings together the soft sweetness of fried aubergines with the freshness of basil and mint, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Perfect for summer lunches or an alfresco picnic, this pasta stands out for its creamy texture — thanks to grated salted ricotta — and the fragrant lift provided by the herbs.
With no tomato in sight, it celebrates the pure, authentic taste of aubergines, letting their flavour take centre stage.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Wash and dry the aubergines. Remove the stem and cut into 2 cm cubes. Sprinkle with coarse salt and leave to drain for one hour. Rinse and pat dry.
- 2
Fry the aubergine cubes in hot oil until golden. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
- 3
Transfer the fried aubergines to a bowl, adding torn basil and mint leaves plus a drizzle of olive oil. Mix gently.
- 4
Cook the pasta in salted water. Meanwhile, warm the aubergines in a pan with a splash of pasta water to create a creamy base.
- 5
Drain the pasta al dente, toss with the aubergines, add grated salted ricotta and a twist of pepper. Mix until silky.
- 6
Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of black pepper.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a more intense flavour, add a little finely chopped garlic while frying the aubergines.
You can also experiment with other herbs such as thyme or oregano to vary the aromatic profile.
📦 Storage
- • Store in the fridge for up to 2–3 days in an airtight container.
- • Reheat in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat until piping hot.
- • Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy this dish with a glass of Nero d’Avola, a Sicilian red whose fruity and spicy notes beautifully highlight the aubergine and herbs.
Thank you for exploring this delicious slice of Sicilian tradition.
Try it, share it and let yourself be won over by the authentic flavours of this beautifully simple dish!
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