• Home
  • About Paola
    • About Paola
    • Testimonials
    • Media Pack
  • Cook With Me
    • Wellness corporate online cooking class
    • The Tiny Italian Confidence Cooking Course
    • The Tiny Italian Saucy Society Cooking Membership
    • FREE Tiny Italian Kickstart Cooking Club
  • Gift vouchers
  • Saucy Society
  • Saucy Tips & Recipes
    • Recipes
      • Pasta, Gnocchi & Polenta
      • Risotto & Rice Dishes
      • Carne (Meat Dishes)
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Vegetarian
      • Soup & Stews
      • Pies and Tarts
      • Pulses
      • Salads and Side dishes
      • Frittatas & all things eggs
      • Dolci (Sweet things)
    • Saucy Tips
      • TTI Tips and Top 5’s
      • Places to eat
        • UK
        • London
        • Abroad
        • Italy
        • Travel
      • My fave cook books
  • Contact

The Tiny Italian

Pasta, Gnocchi & Polenta / Recipes / Vegetarian

Sicilian Pasta Alla Norma

I’m writing this recipe post in the midst of the Covid-19 flu epidemic. I never thought that creating and writing recipes would be such an important and useful task during these difficult times. With a lockdown on all restaurants, pubs and cafes, home cooking will be an important part of everyday life for most everyday folk. As

I will have more on time on my hands than usual, so I want to ensure that I’m supplying you guys with plenty of inspiring Italian recipes where you can create delicious dishes using all your basic larder and fridge produce. It may feel a little stressful during these times as you may find it difficult to find an abundance of ingredients. However, it’s times like these where you learn to be resourceful with what you’ve got, learn a new skill and get those creative culinary juices flowing.

The first recipe was a collaboration I worked on later last year. I was approached by the team at Filippo Berio team to not only create recipes using their flavoursome olive oils but to film them for you guys to enjoy.

One of those recipes is a Sicilian classic pasta sauce. Pasta Alla Norma – a pasta dish served in a rich tomato sauce with deep golden fried aubergine and served with a sprinkle of salted Italian cheese and fresh fragrant basil leaves.

It’s one of those recipes that only requires a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, the cooking steps are straightforward and simple making it easy for anyone to re-create. Happy cooking and buon appetito.

Pasta Alla Norma

Pasta alla norma

SICILIAN PASTA ALLA NORMA

Servings

2 servings

Prep time

5 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

PrintPrint

Sicilian Pasta Alla Norma (serves 2)

  • 1 aubergine

  • 2 tbsp Filippo Berio extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

  • 400g peeled tomatoes

  • 200g rigatoni pasta

  • 20g salted Italian cheese (pecorino or parmesan)

  • Handful of fresh basil

PrintPrint

Directions

  • Dice aubergine and finely chop garlic.
  • Add one tbsp of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil into a frying pan and fry the garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Add peeled tomatoes to the garlic and cook for 10 minutes.
  • In another pan add one tbsp of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil to another pan and fry the aubergine until golden brown.
  • Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Drain the pasta and add it into the tomato sauce, followed by the aubergine.
  • Sprinkle with Italian cheese and scatter fresh basil to finish.

Tips

For the tomato sauce, it’s always better to use San Marzano, peeled tomatoes, where possible as they have more pulp, and give a lovely flavour and texture. However, any type of tinned tomato will work for this recipe.

When frying the aubergine in the olive oil, add more to the pan if it looks too dry. Also, make sure you don’t crowd the frying pan with the diced aubergine. It can otherwise steam and get soggy, rather than achieve that golden crispy exterior we are looking for. Fry the aubergine in batches if required.

Tube pasta or any short pasta shape that can ‘collect ‘the tomato sauce and aubergine works best with this recipe. For example, penne, rigatoni, tortiglioni, conchiglioni, pennette.

TAGS:aubergine pastapasta all normasicilian pastasicilian recipeTomato
Share
The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

16th April 2020

Italian white ragu pasta

1st November 2016

Creamy Tomato Risotto

13th November 2016

Italian Cauliflower tomato stew

Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

Follow Along

SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
17 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/2
Cooking can calm your mind.
However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.
However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻
It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. 
Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.
Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.
We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. 
#selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/2
@thetinyitalian

Categories

  • Carne (Meat Dishes)
  • Cook Books
  • Cooking experiences
  • Dolci (Sweet things)
  • Events
  • Fish & Seafood
  • Foodie Shops
  • Frittatas & all things eggs
  • Italian cooking masterclasses
  • Italy
  • London
  • Pasta, Gnocchi & Polenta
  • Pies and Tarts
  • Places to eat
  • Private cooking
  • Pulses
  • Recipes
  • Risotto & Rice Dishes
  • Salads and Side Dishes
  • Saucy Tips
  • Soup & Stews
  • Supper clubs
  • Travel
  • TTI Monthly Italian Food round up
  • TTI Reviews
  • TTI Top 5s
  • UK
  • Vegetarian

Recent Posts

  • Timpano, a unique Spaghetti seafood pasta bake x Garofalo

    12th December 2022
  • World Pasta Day – Let’s talk about pasta diversity

    25th October 2022
  • A delicious mussel cannellini pasta x Garofalo pasta

    5th September 2022
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
17 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Cooking can calm your mind.
However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.
However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻
It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. 
Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.
Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.
We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. 
#selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. 
My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful  home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care.
From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself.  Whatever your body and mind needs.
Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. 
I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. 
There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship.
This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. 
Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. 
Paola
#homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care. From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself. Whatever your body and mind needs. Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship. This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. Paola #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it.
Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook.
The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives.
I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. 
As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner.
For more info head to the link in my bio.
Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week.
#cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it. Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook. The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives. I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner. For more info head to the link in my bio. Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week. #cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
SAVE FOR LATER - A lighter white sauce. 
Self care cooking can come in different guises and if your body and mind are telling you that you may need to inject a little health in your life, then I always recommend listening to it as that’s the only way we can start taking the steps needed to bring a little love and self care into your lives.
And when we change our mindset about what cooking can bring to our lives that’s where we start to transform your relationship with it.
Health, and comfort are two of pillars when it comes to my self care cooking. I have learnt that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of comfort so these always go hand in hand in my meals.
I have found this tip useful when I’m looking for that creamy comfort we get in lasagnas, pasta or veggies bakes. The stock replaces the milk making a lighter healthier version.
For more self care inspo, recipes and tips sign up to my free newsletter. Link in bio. 
#healthycook #healthyeatinghabits #cookingtips #selfcareaccount #selflovematters #wellnesstips #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE FOR LATER - A lighter white sauce. Self care cooking can come in different guises and if your body and mind are telling you that you may need to inject a little health in your life, then I always recommend listening to it as that’s the only way we can start taking the steps needed to bring a little love and self care into your lives. And when we change our mindset about what cooking can bring to our lives that’s where we start to transform your relationship with it. Health, and comfort are two of pillars when it comes to my self care cooking. I have learnt that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of comfort so these always go hand in hand in my meals. I have found this tip useful when I’m looking for that creamy comfort we get in lasagnas, pasta or veggies bakes. The stock replaces the milk making a lighter healthier version. For more self care inspo, recipes and tips sign up to my free newsletter. Link in bio. #healthycook #healthyeatinghabits #cookingtips #selfcareaccount #selflovematters #wellnesstips #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Listen up my bambinos! Buy your self care cooking essentials @eatalylondon and get some of the best Italian brands and ingredients in their amazing 50% sale they have on at the moment.
Italian cooking is the best cuisine if you’re looking for nourishment, pleasurable flavours and LOVE. It’s the best type of food for self care and when you use great quality ingredients, which is an essential pillar for delicious Italian cooking. You just can not go wrong.
That’s why @eatalylondon is always my first stop when stocking up on the best Italian ingredients. 
So I wouldn’t hesitate as you only have until the 5th February to stock yourself with produce and ingredients to help you cook some of your fave Italian dishes, or experience authentic Italian flavours or more importantly, provide you with the self care cooking you may need.
I may even see you there as I will be heading back again soon. Who’s going? 🙋🏻‍♀️
#eataly #eatalylondon #italianingredients #selfcarecooking #cookwithlove #italiancooking #italianfoodlover
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Listen up my bambinos! Buy your self care cooking essentials @eatalylondon and get some of the best Italian brands and ingredients in their amazing 50% sale they have on at the moment. Italian cooking is the best cuisine if you’re looking for nourishment, pleasurable flavours and LOVE. It’s the best type of food for self care and when you use great quality ingredients, which is an essential pillar for delicious Italian cooking. You just can not go wrong. That’s why @eatalylondon is always my first stop when stocking up on the best Italian ingredients. So I wouldn’t hesitate as you only have until the 5th February to stock yourself with produce and ingredients to help you cook some of your fave Italian dishes, or experience authentic Italian flavours or more importantly, provide you with the self care cooking you may need. I may even see you there as I will be heading back again soon. Who’s going? 🙋🏻‍♀️ #eataly #eatalylondon #italianingredients #selfcarecooking #cookwithlove #italiancooking #italianfoodlover
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@thetinyitalian
  • Blog
  • Media Pack
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
wave-graphic-file

Copyright 2023 The Tiny Italian - Authentic Italian Cooking Experiences | Paola Maggiulli | All rights reserved Site Customised By sm web designs.