Tomato, Mozzarella & Aubergine Pasta Gratin Recipe

Ingredients

180g gnocchetti sardi pasta
1 aubergine
250g cherry tomatoes
A handful of oregano
1 tbsp Italian herb blend
330ml cherry tomato passata
100g mozzarella
25g pine nuts

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins

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Method

1. Half fill and boil your kettle. Heat your grill to a high setting.

2. Pour the water from the kettle into a large pan and bring it back to the boil. Add a large pinch of salt then tip in the gnocchetti. Cook for 8-9 mins till tender. Drain and and rinse briefly under cold water. Set to one side while you finish the sauce.

3. While the pasta is cooking, trim the end from the aubergine then chop it into small pieces. Warm a large pan on a medium high heat then drizzle in 1 tbsp oil. Add the aubergine with a pinch of salt and fry for 5-6 mins till softened.

4. Halve your cherry tomatoes. Pick the oregano leaves off their stems. When the aubergines have cooked for 5-6 mins, add the tomatoes and the Italian herb blend with half the oregano. Cook for 4 mins, stirring every now then, till the tomatoes have softened slightly.

5. Pour in the cherry tomato passata. Bring up to a bubble for 1 min. Taste and add more salt, pepper or a pinch of sugar if you think it needs it. If your pan is oven proof, tip in the pasta and fold together till the pasta is well coated. If not transfer the pasta and sauce to an oven proof dish.

6. Tear over the mozzarella. Drizzle over ½ tbsp oil and slide under the grill for 4-5 mins till the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden.

7. Remove the dish from under the grill. Garnish with the remaining oregano leaves and scatter over the pine nuts to serve.

8. Love Your Leftovers
The pasta will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight tub. Divide the pasta between the tubs, seal and store. This is best reheated in the microwave till piping hot.

9. Adding Flavour
If you want to add an extra layer of flavour to your gratin, toast the pine nuts in a clean, dry frying pan for 2-3 mins till just browned and nutty smelling. The toasted nuts will have an extra richness that will pair deliciously with the sweet tomato sauce.