This week, I have had the opportunity to review pasta products made by Barilla. A great pasta with an ideal texture that is able to hold up perfectly to cooking, which leads to the best results in all recipes.

My family enjoys eating pasta. With my small children it is typically the classic Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce (with extra cheese of course) that goes over well, and is always guaranteed to be eaten without complaint.

The recipe that I was given to try is called “Barilla Pasta alla Norma“, which is made with mainly Penne Rigate, crushed tomatoes & eggplant. I have to admit, I am not a fan of eggplant, but always interested in trying new recipes with vegetables that my children may like.

Following the instructions to a “T”, I found this recipe to be very quick and easy to prepare. Quick enough to make for lunch even. This recipe can be prepped & prepared in the same amount of time it takes to boil water and cook the pasta its self. Approximately 15 minutes.

Barilla® Pasta alla Norma

 INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 package of penne
  • 1 medium-sized eggplant, diced
  • 400 g canned tomatoes, crushed
  • 1 medium-sized yellow onion, julienne
  • 80 g ricotta salata (or diced mozzarella)
  • 50 mL extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

 Cut the eggplant into cubes and lightly salt. Leave them to draw out excess water. Add the oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion. Add the eggplant, tomato pulp, salt and pepper and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the penne in salted boiling water and when cooked, toss the penne with the sauce.  Add the basil and grated salted ricotta or diced mozzarella.

Makes 4-6 servings.

The pasta I cooked exactly for 11 minutes, and turned out perfect. The dish wasn’t very “saucy” but had great flavor & fresh taste. My children & I thoroughly enjoyed this meal (even with the eggplant!), however the children insisted on adding extra Mozzarella. This will be definitely a recipe that I will make again.

Barilla is generously offering a giveaway for our readers! They are giving away 3 boxes of the Barilla pasta which includes a pasta tin and lunch bag.  One winner will be randomly selected July 16, 2012.

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