Macaroni With Eggplant
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender eggplant, savory prosciutto, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the eggplant cubes with salt and let drain in a colander for 1 hour.
- Pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
- Cook prosciutto, garlic, and eggplant in olive oil and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant just turns golden.
- Add the brandy and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, beef broth, and oregano to the pan.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni.
- Toss the cooked macaroni with the sauce in a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using smoked prosciutto for a deeper taste. If you can't find eggplant, zucchini can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto and add more vegetables. Ensure the eggplant is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the macaroni with eggplant hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Meat Roll or a light Sausage-Pasta Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover macaroni with eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni With Eggplant contains roughly 813 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may require varying lengths to reach al dente.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make macaroni with eggplant gluten-free, simply swap the macaroni for a gluten-free pasta alternative made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just focus on the pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
What can I do if I don’t have brandy?
If you don't have brandy, white wine or even a splash of apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute to add acidity and flavor to the dish. Just use a smaller amount, as these alternatives can be more potent than brandy.
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).