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Spaghettini with Pesto Tomatoes and Grilled Eggplant
© Dana Gallagher

Spaghettini with Pesto Tomatoes and Grilled Eggplant

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • HEALTHY
  • VEGETARIAN

Plus: Pasta Recipes and Tips

  1. 2 medium garlic cloves, smashed
  2. 2 cups (loosely packed) basil leaves, coarsely chopped
  3. 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  5. 1 pint each red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  6. One 1 1/4-pound eggplant, sliced 1/2 inch thick lengthwise or crosswise
  7. 6 ounces ricotta salata, sliced 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick
  8. 3/4 pound spaghettini
  1. In a mortar, pound the garlic to a very coarse paste with a pestle. Add the chopped basil in 2 batches and pound to a coarse paste. Stir in 3/4 cup of the olive oil. Season the pesto with salt and pepper, then transfer all but 3 tablespoons to a large bowl. Add the yellow and red cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper and let stand for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, light a grill. Brush the eggplant with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season lightly with salt. Grill the eggplant over a medium-hot fire, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Brush the eggplant with 2 tablespoons of the reserved pesto and grill for 30 seconds longer per side. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Brush the ricotta salata with the remaining tablespoon of reserved pesto and grill until the cheese is lightly charred, about 30 seconds per side. Add to the plate with the eggplant.
  4. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghettini until al dente. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cooking water; drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add the pesto-marinated tomatoes and the reserved cooking water and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the eggplant on plates and top with the spaghettini. Garnish with the ricotta salata and serve.

Suggested Pairing

The Pinot Grigios of northeastern Italy are fresh, racy and straightforward—just what you want to drink with a robust dish like this spaghettini. Look for fuller bodied bottlings like those from the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia or Trentino-Alto Adige.