Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1113 · Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma, and where to source it

Pasta alla Norma — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Pasta alla Norma Italian 5best2buy.com

Salt and drain the eggplant first or it drinks oil like a sponge and turns greasy instead of crisp.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Eggplant
Two firm globe eggplants, cubed. Salt and drain before frying.
2
Source it →
Ricotta salata
The aged, pressed, salted ricotta. Grate it over at the end. Fresh ricotta is a different dish.
4 oz
Source it →
Canned tomatoes
San Marzano peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand for a loose sauce.
28 oz
Local / market
Rigatoni
Bronze-die rigatoni or maccheroni holds the sauce in its ridges.
1 lb
Local / market
Fresh basil
A big handful, torn at the last minute.
1 handful
Source it →
Garlic
Two cloves, smashed to flavor the oil.
2 cloves
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Olive oil
Enough to fry the eggplant, plus more for the sauce.
3/4 cup
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Salt the eggplantToss the cubed eggplant with salt in a colander and let it drain 30 minutes. Pat dry hard.
  2. Fry the eggplantFry the eggplant in hot oil until golden and soft. Drain on paper.
  3. Make the sauceIn a little oil, soften the garlic, add the crushed tomatoes, and simmer 15 minutes until it thickens. Salt it.
  4. CombineBoil the rigatoni al dente. Toss it in the tomato sauce with the fried eggplant and torn basil.
  5. FinishPlate and grate ricotta salata generously over each bowl. Serve at once.
The Toolkit

Skillet · Colander · Box grater

Straight Answers
Can you make Pasta alla Norma in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Pasta alla Norma? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Pasta alla Norma ahead of time? — Best fresh

Best made fresh and served soon — it loses its edge standing around. You can prep the parts ahead, but finish and serve it close to the table.

Is Pasta alla Norma gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Pasta alla Norma vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1113