Pasta With Eggplant (Aubergine)

Very Mediterranean and very yummy! A good meal for vegetarians or vegans.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  large eggplant, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
• 1  lb ziti pasta
• 4  garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1  onion, peeled and diced
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes with juice
• 12  kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet.
2. Add the eggplant cubes and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the ziti according to package directions.
4. When it is al dente, drain.
5. Remove the eggplant from the saute pan.
6. Add the garlic and the onion, along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring.
7. Add the tomatoes and crush them with your fingers.
8. Add the cooked eggplant cubes and the olives.
9. Cook and stir 15 minutes, until sauce is thick.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Stir in the basil.
12. Cook 2 minutes.
13. Add the ziti to the sauce and stir to combine.
14. Serve hot.