Eggplant and Italian sausage is a classic combination in Italian cuisine, and for good reason. The rich, meaty flavor of the sausage pairs perfectly with the earthy, slightly bitter taste of the eggplant. This recipe takes that delicious duo and turns it into a mouthwatering pasta dish that will surely become a family favorite.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Eggplant
The star of this dish is, of course, the eggplant. Look for firm, glossy eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. The best ones will feel heavy for their size and have a bright green stem. Eggplants can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste, so be sure to
remove the seeds and salt the slices before cooking to help draw out any bitterness.
Italian Sausage
For this recipe, you'll want to use
sweet Italian sausage, as opposed to the spicy variety. You can either buy sausage links and remove the casings, or buy ground sausage meat. If you can find it, using
sicilian-style sausage with fennel and red pepper flakes will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Pasta
While any type of pasta will work for this recipe, we recommend using a
short, tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni. The ridges on these types of pasta will help hold onto the sauce, giving you the perfect bite every time.
Other Ingredients
In addition to the eggplant, sausage, and pasta, you'll also need
olive oil, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, and fresh parsley. These ingredients will help build the rich, flavorful sauce that brings this dish together.
How to Make It
Start by
slicing the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds and salting them. This will help draw out any excess moisture and bitterness. While the eggplant is resting, you can start cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, heat some olive oil and add in the eggplant slices. Cook until they are tender and slightly golden, then remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, cook some chopped onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add in some canned tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Add the sausage and eggplant back into the skillet with the sauce and let it all cook together for a few minutes. In the meantime, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it in the sauce with the sausage and eggplant.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
This eggplant and Italian sausage recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a family gathering. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds satisfied and your stomach full. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. Give it a try and see for yourself why this dish is a classic in Italian cuisine.
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Eggplant and Italian sausage is a classic combination in Italian cuisine, and for good reason. The rich, meaty flavor of the sausage pairs perfectly with the earthy, slightly bitter taste of the eggplant. This recipe takes that delicious duo and turns it into a mouthwatering pasta dish that will surely become a family favorite.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Eggplant
The star of this dish is, of course, the eggplant. Look for firm, glossy eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. The best ones will feel heavy for their size and have a bright green stem. Eggplants can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste, so be sure to remove the seeds and salt the slices before cooking to help draw out any bitterness.
Italian Sausage
For this recipe, you'll want to use sweet Italian sausage, as opposed to the spicy variety. You can either buy sausage links and remove the casings, or buy ground sausage meat. If you can find it, using sicilian-style sausage with fennel and red pepper flakes will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Pasta
While any type of pasta will work for this recipe, we recommend using a short, tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni. The ridges on these types of pasta will help hold onto the sauce, giving you the perfect bite every time.
Other Ingredients
In addition to the eggplant, sausage, and pasta, you'll also need olive oil, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, and fresh parsley. These ingredients will help build the rich, flavorful sauce that brings this dish together.
How to Make It
Start by slicing the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds and salting them. This will help draw out any excess moisture and bitterness. While the eggplant is resting, you can start cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, heat some olive oil and add in the eggplant slices. Cook until they are tender and slightly golden, then remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, cook some chopped onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add in some canned tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Add the sausage and eggplant back into the skillet with the sauce and let it all cook together for a few minutes. In the meantime, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it in the sauce with the sausage and eggplant. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
This eggplant and Italian sausage recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a family gathering. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds satisfied and your stomach full. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. Give it a try and see for yourself why this dish is a classic in Italian cuisine.
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