Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that is simple and delicious. This dish is named after the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, which was a favourite of the Sicilian composer who first made this dish famous.

The key ingredients in Pasta alla Norma are aubergines, tomatoes, basil and ricotta salata. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavourful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Picture by Mae Mu

To make Pasta alla Norma, start by slicing an aubergine into rounds and frying them until they are golden brown. In a separate pan, sauté some garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil before adding in diced tomatoes. Let the tomato sauce simmer until it has thickened slightly before adding in the fried aubergine slices.

In the meantime, cook your pasta until it is “al dente”. Toss the cooked pasta with the aubergine and tomato sauce, adding in some basil leaves for a fresh and fragrant touch. Finally, top the dish with crumbled ricotta salata for a creamy and tangy finish.

Picture by Tijana Drndarski

Pasta alla Norma is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. It is a great way to showcase the flavours of Sicilian cuisine and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

So why not try making Pasta alla Norma for your next pasta night? It’s a simple and delicious dish that will transport you to the sunny shores of Sicily with every bite. Buon appetito!

See also our blog on 10 Reasons to Visit Sicily