Spaghetti With Tomato and Aubergine (Eggplant) Sauce

I had made this for a party at mt best friend's home (who is a vegetarian) from the cookbook Catwalk Cuisine. It was a hit! Called Pasta Puttanesca by the author

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 500  g aubergines
•  salt, to sprinkle on aubergine
•  olive oil, for shallow frying
• 4  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4  garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2  small  dried red chilies, crumbled or 2  teaspoons  chili flakes
• 1  cup black olives, stoned and chopped
• 2  tablespoons capers
• 1  kg  large frsh tomatoes, skinned and chopped
• 2  tablespoons tomato puree
• 2  teaspoons  dried Italian seasoning or 1  sprig fresh oregano or 2  tablespoons fresh basil leaves
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 500  g spaghetti
•  fresh basil leaf
•  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cut aubergine into cubes and sprinkle with salt.
2. Drain and pat dry after 15-20 mins Heat oil for frying aubergine in a frying pan and shallow fry till golden brown Drain and set aside Heat virgin olive oil in a pan, add garlic, chilli flakes or chillies and cook for a minute or till garlic just begins to turn colour.
3. Mix in olives, capers, tomatoes, puree and dried seasoning or fresh herbs Season with salt and pepper to taste Cover pan and cook sauce on low heat for 30-35 minutes.
4. or till tomatoes are cooked through and sauce has thickened Add fried aubergine cubes and remove from heat.
5. Cook spaghetti according to packet instructions.
6. Drain and add spaghetti to sauce Add basil leaves and toss pasta in sauce till well coated Serve immediately with grated Parmesan on the side.