Pasta alla Norma

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cut eggplant into 1 inch/ 2,5 cm cubes

combine with olive oil, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning

place in a single layer, bake 30 minutes at 450°F/ 240°C

dice the shallot

mince the  garlic cloves

grate the Pecorino

boil rigatoni al dente in salted water

heat oil over  medium low, add shallot and garlic, cook for 3 minutes

stir in salt, pepper  and Italian seasoning

add canned  cherry tomatoes and  puréed tomatoes, simmer for 10 minutes

scoop up1/2 cup cooking water, drain the rigatoni

stir in Pecorino

add roasted eggplant

toss with basil leaves and rigatoni

add a splash of cooking water

top with chili flakes and black pepper