Aleppo-Lemon Butter Mafaldine
with Eggplant & Garlicky Breadcrumbs
Aleppo chile peppers, originating from Aleppo, Syria, are commonly used in many Middle Eastern cuisines. In this pasta dish, lemon complements the peppers’ moderate spice and sun-dried fruit flavor, resulting in a bright meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 eggplant (about 3 cups) and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 6 oz mafaldine pasta
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp crushed Aleppo pepper (divided)
- 2 oz Castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
- 2 oz baby arugula, roughly chopped
Nutrition (per serving)
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INSTRUCTIONS
Bring large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta. Place just 3 cups eggplant in colander, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, toss, and set aside. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until breadcrumbs are toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to small bowl. Wipe skillet clean and set aside for step 3. (4-serving meal: use 6 cups eggplant, 2 tsp salt, 4 tsp olive oil)(TIP: Keep remaining eggplant for your own use.)
Add pasta to pot of boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain pasta. (4-serving meal: reserve 1 cup pasta water)
Heat 2 tsp olive oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Gently press any moisture out of eggplant, pat with paper towels, and add to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 8 to 10 minutes. (4-serving meal: use 4 tsp olive oil)(TIP: Work in batches for the 4-serving meal.)
Add butter, cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, just half the Aleppo pepper, olives, and reserved pasta water to skillet with eggplant. Cook, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sauce coats pasta, Remove from heat, add arugula, and toss to combine. (TIPS: Add more Aleppo pepper if you prefer more spice. For the 4-serving meal, finish the pasta in the large pot instead of the skillet.)
Divide Aleppo-lemon butter mafaldine with eggplant between bowls and top with garlicky breadcrumbs. Mangia!