This Eggplant Walnut Basil Pasta is a simple yet scrumptious and hearty summer dish that is ready in 30 minutes.
This post was originally published in August 2017. I have taken and uploaded new photos and made a few tweaks to the recipe, but the post itself remains the same.
As some of you might remember I don’t get to see Andrey very often over the last year since he’s been studying in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is obviously a sad part. We do believe it’s going to be settled soon, though.
As you know, many sad things have a positive side.
You might ask me where do I see the positive side of this story?
Well, I’ve been enjoying the meals Andrey will never try. Particularly, when it comes to making pasta, he’s very picky. He would have had rejected this Raspberry Poppy Seed Pasta. When I made this Cherry Mint Pistachio Pasta, Andrey was on vacation at home. Well, knowing him for many years, I even didn’t suggest giving it a try. When he saw my plate, he noticed “Hmm, looks not bad. Enjoy”.
If you think Andrey enjoyed this Eggplant Walnut Basil Pasta, I’m going to disappoint you. Certainly, he does love pasta. Also, he doesn’t mind eggplant once in a while, preferably stuffed and baked.
But pasta combined with eggplant? This is a huge NO.
I cannot judge him, though. Not everyone has such a sophisticated palate as I do (And certainly, not everyone is as humble as I am). Some things take time, and we’re working on them. For instance, I wouldn’t try blue cheese a decade ago. Now it’s dangerous to buy it because I won’t stop until it’s gone. Indeed, the same has been happening to Andrey. Nope, he’s not a blue cheese lover yet, but he doesn’t reject it (in a small amount) anymore.
Eggplant Walnut Basil Pasta
As for me, I do love pasta with eggplant. Combined with fresh basil, walnuts (Yes, I do like nuts in my pasta as well), and ricotta, this is one of the best kinds of pasta to enjoy on a summer day. Are you with me?
By the way, last year I made a similar dish, Eggplant Ricotta Pasta Salad so you might like it too. How funny – I used the same plate and the similar props to shoot that salad. I’m telling you – I am a boring person with a lack of imagination.
There’s one thing I’d love to share with you once again. If you like eggplant, you know that eggplant is a tricky vegetable because it absorbs oil and liquids like a sponge. It may absorb as much fat as you keep adding. As a result, you might get too oily and soggy vegetables. There’s nothing worse to me. Grrr! Many years ago I tried an approach which I’ve been enjoying since that. The answer is simple, no oil while cooking at all! The result – well-cooked and delicious eggplant. You can add a little of fat almost at the end of cooking or drizzle the cooked vegetable with olive or other (like walnut) oil. Try it, and you won’t be disappointed! Just make sure to grab a good pan because the eggplant might stick to the bottom of it.
And I certainly hope you love the combo of pasta and eggplant, and this Eggplant Walnut Basil Pasta is right up your alley!
Notes
havocinthekitchen.com
Ingredients
- between 1,5 and 2 cups of medium-size dry pasta (like farfalle)
- 1 small eggplant (2 cups cubed)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1-1,5 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil + more to garnish
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ricotta pr parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water as recommended on the package, until al dente. Drain reserving a little (1/2 cup) of water.
- In meanwhile, heat a pan over medium heat. Place the eggplant (without adding any oil) and cook about 7 minutes or a little longer (the eggplant should release the water and start getting crisp and brown), turning occasionally.
- Decrease the heat to medium or low medium. Add the olive oil, garlic and cook 3-4 minutes, covered.
- Season with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir in the walnuts and basil. Cook 3-4 minutes more (you can increase heat to get the eggplant better cooked).
- Mix the cooked pasta with the eggplant. Add a little of the reserved water, if the pasta is dry.
- Serve immediately, with ricotta or parmesan and extra basil.
- Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
This looks amazing again, Ben! Purple food is always so pretty, and the combination of walnut and eggplant is simply delightful!
P.S. Save Andrey’s portions for me, I don’t mind your crazy pasta creations ?
Haha, deal, sending you all unclaimed pasta, Evi!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato Prosciutto Bruschetta
I am loving the how you see the things positive way. I love eggplants and pasta both, but I have to confess that I have never had eggplants in my pasta, Ben. But I am ready to taste this pasta because that beautiful platter is calling my name. And I don’t find you boring, Ben — in fact, you are one of the most creative persons I have ever known.
What? You never had eggplant in pasta, Anu? Wow! You should definitely try this out this summer!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato Prosciutto Bruschetta
I’ll gladly eat Andrey’s share of this pasta :). It sounds fantastic! I’m glad you’re finding a silver lining in missing him, and hope he’s able to make it home soon. But Ben! Don’t you dare call yourself a boring person. You have the make the most creative recipes imaginable! Have a great week!
Oh, thank you, Kelsie, for your kind words. It looks like I’ve begged for these compliments though haha :)
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato Prosciutto Bruschetta
You are most definitely NOT a boring person with a lack of imagination, Ben! I mean you come up with some of the most unique ideas for recipes! Now I do happen to enjoy eggplant with pasta, but I’ve never tried pasta with nuts. I’ll have to give that a shot next time! Also, I used to be the same as Andrey with blue cheese…and now I can’t stop eating it. He’ll be there soon! I hope his studies are going well over in Halifax. Will he be done soon? Thanks for the fun recipe, my friend!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Breakfast Bruschetta
I believe you DID eat pasta with nuts many times, David (Hint: pesto sauce haha). Indeed, nuts go well with pasta, and walnuts would be my first pick. Try a walnut parsley pesto sauce.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato Prosciutto Bruschetta
Sounds yummy to me!! I love eggplant and can eat it whichever way possible!! I am defintely trying this soon :). And thanks for the tip on adding fat at the end, I also like my eggplants crisp and flavorful! Have a great Sunday :)
Thank you, Deepika!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato Prosciutto Bruschetta