Sicilian Style Spaghetti & Eggplant

I borrowed the Tyler Florence book, Tyler's Ultimate cook book from a friend. I've slowly been able to make a few recipes here and there... I thought I was making Sicilian-Style Spaghetti tonight. I made a mistake when I searched for it on the internet the other day. So, instead, I ended up with Sicilian Style Spaghetti & Eggplant ~ and I'm so glad I did! It was delicious!! And I still have another new recipe to try with the Sicilian-Style Spaghetti.

I copied the recipe below from Foodnetwork.com - but I also made a few changes. If you want to see their version, click here: Sicilian Style Spaghetti & Eggplant

I have to say this, I loved, loved, loved the eggplant this way!!

Ingredients

For the eggplant:

• 1 medium eggplant
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the spaghetti:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp red chile flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half
• 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, drained and hand-crushed
• Pinch of sugar
• 1 tablespoon capers
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss them with 1/4 cup olive oil and some salt and pepper. Grill them until marks have formed and they are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place them onto a paper towel lined platter. Scatter over 2 cloves of sliced garlic, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the lemon juice, put on a few torn basil leaves, and season it all with salt and pepper. Set aside while you make the sauce.

(YUM!!)

Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and place over medium heat. Cook the onions until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the chile flakes, garlic, artichoke hearts and a few hand-torn basil leaves. Carefully add the tomatoes and a pinch of sugar; cook and stir until the liquid is cooked down and the sauce is thick, about 15 minutes. Add the capers, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover, and keep warm.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the spaghetti. Stir to make sure the pasta doesn't stick. Cover and return to a boil. Remove cover and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente, drain and add the spaghetti to the tomato sauce. Add the cheese and mix well. Pile onto a platter and top it with the eggplant slices. Garnish with more basil leaves.