It can sometimes be difficult to find a vegetarian meal that’s so good you won’t miss the meat, but my Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is the perfect meat-free meal. Soft, rich eggplant (aubergine) with garlic and tomato makes for a delicious pasta sauce, while the crunchy breadcrumb topping adds just the right finishing touch. This dish requires minimal preparation before simmering on the stove to create a deep, flavour-filled dish. Try this bowl of veggie-filled goodness on your next meal plan!
Can you make Eggplant and Tomato Pasta ahead of time?
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is best served and eaten immediately, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave. The breadcrumbs will soften.
Is Eggplant and Tomato Pasta suitable for leftovers?
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is best served and eaten immediately, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave. The breadcrumbs will soften. Not suitable to freeze.
For a simple vegetarianpasta dish that's so delicious no-one will miss the meat, look no further than this Eggplant and Tomato Pasta recipe. Tender eggplant (aubergine) is cooked in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, then served with spaghetti and topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping.
Prep 6 minutesmins
Cook 30 minutesmins
Total 36 minutesmins
Servings: 4servings
Ingredients
250g(9oz)spaghetti
80ml(⅓cup)extra-virgin olive oil
60g(1cup)panko breadcrumbs
½tspsea salt flakes, plus extra to season
2large eggplants (aubergines), cut into bite-sized cubes
1tbspfreshly minced garlic
800g(28oz)canned crushed tomatoes
½tspfreshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
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Cook the spaghetti as per the packet instructions, minus 1 minute (the last minute of cooking will take place in the sauce). Rinse with cold water to stop the pasta from cooking further and sticking together.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until golden. Season with the salt, remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the eggplant. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–8 minutes until the eggplant has softened.
Add the remaining olive oil and the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
Add the tomatoes and 1½ cups (375 ml) of water. Cook for 12 minutes with the lid on.
Remove the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the sauce is at the desired consistency, return the spaghetti to the pan and cook for 1 minute to heat through.
Serve immediately with the crunchy breadcrumbs sprinkled on top.
Nutrition information
Nutrition Facts
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
548
% Daily Value*
Fat
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
14
g
Sodium
700
mg
30
%
Potassium
1084
mg
31
%
Carbohydrates
80
g
27
%
Fiber
12
g
50
%
Sugar
15
g
17
%
Protein
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
288
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
24
mg
29
%
Calcium
130
mg
13
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is best served and eaten immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the microwave. The breadcrumbs will soften.
LEFTOVERS
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is best served and eaten immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the microwave. The breadcrumbs will soften. Not suitable to freeze.
For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.