mmmmm, mondays: eggplant pasta

(recipe and photo credit: real simple magazine)

it's eggplant season and i don't know about you.....but i just never know what to make with eggplant. i was lucky enough to be served this yummy dish at a friends house and it is truly fabulous. this recipe serves 4, but i have been doubling it for the yummy leftovers. give it a try and let me know what you think. enjoy!

ingredients:

1/2 box penne pasta

1 medium eggplant cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup of grape tomatoes, cut in half

6oz fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1/4 teaspoon each crushed red pepper, sea salt, and pepper

1/2 tablespoon of crushed garlic
optional: cut basil leaves to garnish

directions:

cook pasta according to directions on the box.  Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, drain pasta, and return to pot.

at the same time the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan and cook eggplant until tender and brown(ish)-about 8-10 minutes

add tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, salt and pepper to the eggplant, continue cooking until tomatoes soften, about 2-3 more minutes.

combine pasta with eggplant mixture, add reserved water and mozzarella, toss and serve.