Paccheri alle Melanzane

Serves 4

• 1 medium Italian eggplant

• 1 lb dry paccheri or rigatoni pasta

• Salt

• Extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 16-oz can cherry tomatoes in juice

• 1 pinch Sicilian oregano

• ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

• 6 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced

• 4 4-oz balls imported whole milk burrata cheese

1. Leaving the skin on, cut the eggplant into a medium size dice, dust with salt and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil and add a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Heat a sauté pan over high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once hot, add the eggplant and fry turning the pieces occasionally so they cook evenly.

4. Add the pasta to the water and set a timer for 12 minutes (or cook according to package directions).

5. When a brown color on the eggplant has been achieved, add the crushed garlic, cook briefly, then add the cherry tomatoes, Sicilian oregano and a couple ounces of pasta water and simmer.

6. As soon as the paccheri is cooked, drain and toss with the simmering sauce. Sprinkle in Parmigiano Reggiano, basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

7. Portion onto individual plates, top each with a ball of burrata and drizzle with olive oil.