Eggplant And Angel Hair Pasta
A hearty vegetable and pasta dish featuring tender eggplant, mushrooms, and flavorful tasso, perfect for a comforting, savory meal that balances spice and richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, sauté the garlic, onions, and celery over high heat until slightly wilted.
- Add the eggplant and reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and cook until the eggplant is very tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once tender, add the chicken broth, chopped tasso, and Ro-Tel tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Check and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of water seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 12 ounces of angel hair pasta and turn off the heat. Cover and let stand for 6 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water. Drain well.
- Toss the pasta with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
- Combine the pasta with the eggplant mixture and garnish with freshly grated Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, onions, and celery. If you don't have tasso, substitute with smoked sausage or diced ham for a similar taste. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta garnished with freshly grated Romano cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness. Pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with Gian-Mikel's Grilled Chicken Breasts for a protein boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant And Angel Hair Pasta contains roughly 869 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1296mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while angel hair pasta works well, you can substitute it with other pasta types like spaghetti or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. Thicker pastas may require a longer cooking time, so check the package instructions.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the Eggplant and Angel Hair Pasta vegetarian, simply omit the tasso and substitute with additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add chickpeas for protein and a hearty texture. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a protein like grilled fish or baked chicken. Explore Mediterranean recipes for additional side dish ideas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).