Eggplant and Zucchini Pasta With Feta and Dill
This simple yet hearty weeknight pasta is packed with two whole pounds of vegetables. Meaty eggplant makes this vegetarian meal satisfying, while zucchini adds texture and a touch of natural sweetness. Since eggplant tends to absorb oil like a sponge, the key here is to sauté it slowly in a nonstick skillet until it softens and caramelizes without adding too much oil. The feta does double duty, adding bright tang to the dish and creating a creamy sauce. Fragrant dill is a natural pairing for eggplant and zucchini, but fresh parsley or basil would also be great.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 6tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1pound eggplant (about 2 small eggplants), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 7 cups)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1pound green zucchini or yellow squash, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons (about 5 cups)
- 1pound mezze rigatoni or any short pasta
- 8ounces crumbled feta (about 1 1/2 cups)
- ¼cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions
Step 1
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons oil and zucchini to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy, about 5 minutes.Step 3
While the vegetables cook, boil the pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups cooking water and drain pasta. Return pasta and reserved cooking water to pot over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 cup of cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese melts and forms a sauce, about 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini, eggplant and dill; season with salt and pepper.Step 4
Serve pasta in bowls and top with remaining cheese.