Eggplant Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound penne rigate pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus additional for drizzling
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
6 leaves basil, torn or chopped
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Yields: 6 servings

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add salt and the penne and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

While the onions and garlic are cooking, scoop the eggplant flesh from the skin and mash with a fork in a bowl. Add the mashed eggplant to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add the crushed tomatoes and the torn basil. Add the penne to the skillet along with the Parmigiano Reggiano and mix thoroughly to combine.

To roast the eggplant: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut eggplants in half, drizzle with a little EVOO and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place eggplants on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven for about 45 minutes, until tender and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.