33 min
Prep Time
1 hr 21 min
Cook Time
Medium
Level
2
Servings

The combination of slightly smoky grilled eggplant and sweet tomatoes is delightful. The eggplant-tomato mixture served over whole-wheat pasta with fresh basil and a bit of salty cheese makes an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound plum tomatoes, chopped

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

  • 1 clove garlic, grated

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 ½ pounds eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat penne

  • ¼ cup shaved ricotta salata or crumbled feta cheese

Method

  1. Put a large pot of water on to boil. Preheat grill to medium-high.

  2. Toss tomatoes with 3 tablespoons oil, oregano, garlic, pepper, crushed red pepper and salt in a large bowl.

  3. Brush eggplant with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Grill, turning once, until tender and charred in spots, about 4 minutes per side. Let cool for 10 minutes. Chop into bite-size pieces and add to the tomatoes along with basil.

  4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

  5. Serve the tomato mixture on the pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.