Roasted vegetables and heirloom tomato pasta


Roasted vegetables and heirloom tomato pasta

This pasta uses summer bounty in tasty and unique ways. Particularly fun is the method for making the tomato sauce — you halve large juicy heirloom tomatoes at the equator then "grate" them on the large holes of a box grater over a skillet until just the flat round of skin is left. So easy and very satisfying to do.

Make extra. Leftovers reheat well.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 pounds eggplant, globe or Japanese, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 pound other roastable vegetables, cubed or sliced thickly
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds or more heirloom tomatoes
  • 2 to 3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon (at least) crushed red pepper flakes
  • 12 ounces whole-wheat pasta
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
  • Salt to taste (season near the end, as capers can be salty)
  • Ricotta salata or grated parmesan, for garnish
  • Chopped basil or mint, or both, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss the eggplant and other vegetables with a little olive oil and black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Parchment paper helps prevent sticking if you have it. Roast, tossing now and then, until golden brown (15 to 25 minutes).
  2. Meanwhile, grate the halved tomatoes into a large skillet per the above instructions, discarding the skin. Add the garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a little olive oil. Simmer the sauce until it is reduced by about half.
  3. Cook the pasta while browning, simmering, and reducing.
  4. Add the pasta, capers, roasted vegetables, and butter, if using, to the sauce. Stir and season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  5. Serve with the garnish(es) of your choice.

Nutrition information (per serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total fat: 11 g
  • Saturated fat: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Dietary fiber: 12 g
  • Protein: 10 g

Note: Nutrition analysis does not include optional cheese or butter.