Spaghetti With Shrimp and Eggplant (Aubergine)

An adopted recipe.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  quarts water
• 3⁄4 lb spaghetti
• 1 1⁄2 lbs shrimp
• 1  eggplant (1 pound)
• 4  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
• 32  ounces  approx canned tomatoes, crushed
• 1  teaspoon honey
• 1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
• 3⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

1. Salt the water and bring to a boil in a kettle; add the spaghetti and cook to the desired degree of doneness and/or according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, peel and devein the shrimp and set aside.
3. Trim the ends of the eggplant and peel it.
4. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a saucepan and add the garlic.
6. Cook, stirring, without browning.
7. Add the tomatoes, honey, pepper flakes, basil (flat Italian parsley can be substituted), salt and pepper.
8. Stir to blend, cover and simmer, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes.
9. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet and when it is very hot, add the eggplant, salt and pepper.
10. Cook the eggplant, tossing it, until it's nicely browned.
11. Drain and add the eggplant to the tomato sauce.
12. Stir and cover and cook for 15 minutes or until well blended with the sauce.
13. Meanwhile, in the same nonstick skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and add the shrimp, salt and pepper.
14. Cook over high heat for one minute, stirring.
15. Add the shrimp to the sauce, blend well and cook for one minute.
16. Toss the cooked and drained spaghetti with the shrimp and eggplant mixture, and serve immediately with parmesan cheese.