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What I really love about this dish is you can use it in so many different ways. Throw it over pasta — the Sicilians love pasta with aubergine — or you can just have it with bread, like naan or rice, or even fill a pie with it.

For the sauce

To serve

  • pappardelle, rice, crusty bread, flatbreads or feta (optional)

Nutrition: Per serving (8)

  • kcal159
  • fat10g
  • saturates1g
  • carbs11g
  • sugars9g
  • fibre7g
    high
  • protein4g
  • salt0.15g
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Method

  • step 1

    Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Mix the spices together in a large bowl with the oil. Add the aubergines and toss well to coat using your hands. Roast for 30-35 mins until browned and tender. Set aside.

  • step 2

    Meanwhile, for the sauce, heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 8-10 mins with a pinch of salt until softened and translucent but not coloured. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 mins, stirring regularly, until fragrant. Next, add the harissa, passata, sugar and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper, and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium and cook without a lid for 30 mins.

  • step 3

    Once the sauce has reduced, taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly – you’ll need generous seasoning because you will be adding a lot of aubergines.

  • step 4

    Add the aubergines to the pan, stir and cook for a further 10-15 mins, then season to taste. You can always increase the volume of sauce by placing a lid on the pan or adding a little warm water until you have your desired consistency. I like it quite jammy and concentrated.

  • step 5

    Serve with pasta, rice, crusty bread or flatbreads, or top with feta and eat as a standalone dish. Will keep in the fridge for up to six days.

Recipe tip

If serving with pasta, to make the sauce extra silky, stir in a generous knob of butter at the end and toss with the pappardelle.
 
Take this dish to the next level by making your own pasta.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, September 2025

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.3 ratings
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