Maccheroni alla Norma

Maccheroni alla Norma with a main ingredient, if we can say essential: the eggplant. This vegetable, which for years was considered insignificant, was not helped by its name either, as it was read as “insane apple” and therefore something indigestible and not good to eat. Fortunately, over time even Italians have come to love it, along with tomatoes and peppers, let’s say that eggplants encompass the essence of summer. Paired with pasta, it creates a perfect team like that of Norma, a winning combination of Sicilian ferretto maccheroni, aged salted ricotta or Sicilian pecorino, tomato, and lots of basil, thus bringing an extraordinary dish to the table.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: Medium
  • Preparation time: 40 Minutes
  • Portions: 2
  • Cooking methods: Stove
  • Cuisine: Regional Italian
  • Region: Sicily
  • Seasonality: Summer, Spring, Summer, and Fall
463.37 Kcal
calories per serving
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  • Energy 463.37 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 77.58 (g) of which sugars 7.99 (g)
  • Proteins 15.88 (g)
  • Fat 11.86 (g) of which saturated 1.83 (g)of which unsaturated 1.00 (g)
  • Fibers 5.71 (g)
  • Sodium 1,959.14 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 280 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients needed to prepare Maccheroni alla Norma

  • 6 2/3 oz maccheroni (Sicilian)
  • 5 1/3 oz tomato sauce
  • 6 1/2 oz eggplants (fried)
  • 2 tablespoons Sicilian pecorino
  • 6 leaves basil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt

Tools needed to prepare Maccheroni alla Norma

  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Saucepan
  • Grater

Steps

  • Prepare a simple tomato sauce with garlic and extra virgin olive oil, salt, and basil, put everything together in a saucepan and cook for 15 minutes. In the meantime, peel the eggplant, cut it into cubes, and fry it. Bring water to a boil in a pot and cook the Sicilian maccheroni for 10 minutes. When still al dente, toss it for a minute with the tomato and fried eggplant. Grate a generous portion of Sicilian pecorino or, if you prefer, salted ricotta on top.

  • Here are the Maccheroni alla Norma ready.

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in cucina con pina

My name is Pina, and my passion is food and cooking in general. On the blog, I focus on regional dishes like those from my birthplace, Sicily. I also feature dishes from Lazio, the region that has hosted me for over 40 years, but in general, I cover all Italian regions. Traveling and exploring is my second passion, so I couldn't leave out dishes from around the "World" on my blog. My blog is divided into simple and essential sections like appetizers, first courses, main courses, side dishes, bread and leavened products, jams and preserves, wines and wineries, and of course, travels. Desserts are included, and finally, there is a dedicated corner for gluten-free options. Easy recipes, explained step by step and always updated.

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