23 Mar 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 dash black pepper
4 garlic cloves
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cups spinach
1 eggplant
4 tbsp olive oil
1 dash black pepper
1 dash salt
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 oz whole-wheat pasta
1 tbsp butter
Experience a delicious and nutritious meal with our Whole-Wheat Pasta Melanzana, accompanied by fresh spinach and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This hearty dish combines the robust flavors of eggplant and the zesty notes of lemon juice, offering a flavorful and healthy dinner option.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
- Dice the eggplant into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced eggplant and a dash of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is golden brown and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the eggplant is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach:
- In the same skillet used for the eggplant, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the spinach to the skillet, and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet with the spinach and garlic.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet as well.
- Pour in the lemon juice, and add the dash of black pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and add the butter and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Toss until the pasta is well coated and the cheese has melted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and an extra dash of black pepper, if desired.
Tips:
- When cooking the eggplant, ensure it's well-browned to bring out its natural flavors.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and nutritional value.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
- Add the garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- For an extra zing, garnish with lemon zest along with the juice.
- Experiment with whole-wheat pasta brands to find the texture and taste you prefer.
With these simple steps, you’ve crafted a wholesome and delectable Whole-Wheat Pasta Melanzana with spinach and parmesan. Enjoy the rich textures and balanced flavors of this satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.