I don’t have an Italian nonna, but in my years in Sicily, I have met a fair few. They have almost all been beautiful, with a twinkle in their eye, a whip-smart sense of humour, and a quick reply to any question you may have. It’s always a pleasure to spend a sunny afternoon with a nonna here in Sicily. Something that almost always happens? The conversation turns to food. What did I eat today? Do I want some food? What are my thoughts about Sicilian food? Shall we cook something together? Eat, eat, eat! It’s a common trait that unifies all Italian grandmothers.
Since I love cooking (and eating) I always listen to any nonna intently when they start to talk about food. Here is my experience of cooking pasta alla norma, a pasta dish that hails from Catania. It’s one of the best examples of Sicilian foods you can try, and brings sunshine to any lunch table.
What is Pasta alla Norma?
Pasta alla Norma is an example of Sicilian cooking where simple ingredients come together to create something delicious. It’s one of the best Sicilian foods around. It is a pasta dish with tomato sauce, fried aubergines, basil , and ricotta salata (a local sheep’s cheese). The recipe hails from Catania in east Sicily, but is now extremely popular all over Sicily, and indeed, the world! So much so that 23rd September is National Pasta alla Norma Day in Italy!
Its name is linked to the opera Norma, written by the Catanese composer Vincenzo Bellini. There are two stories about how the name came about. The first tale is that the Italian writer Nino Martoglio ate the pasta and said “That’s a real Norma!” meaning that it was a masterpiece like the opera. The second recounts that a Sicilian chef had perfected and refined the old recipe for a dinner where the composer Bellini was eating it and named the dish in his honour. Which story is true? You can decide!
How to Make Pasta alla Norma?
Making pasta alla norma is simple, but it is important (as always) to use the best ingredients possible. Here is how the nonna made it on that sunny day near Catania.
- Pasta (rigatoni or penne) 500g
- Aubergine 1
- Ricotta Salata 150g
- Tomatoes 1.5 kg
- Basil Handful
- Garlic 4 cloves
- Salt
- Olive Oil
- Cut the aubergine into small pieces, salt, and leave to rest for 15 minutes.
- Cut tomatoes in half, add to pot together with garlic and basil.
- Cook on low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the garlic and basil from the tomatoes, and then blend to create a smooth tomato sauce.
- Rinse the aubergines and fry until golden in olive oil. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
- Add the pasta to a large pot of vigorously boiling well-salted water. Cook until al dente.
- Add the tomato sauce to a pan and cook on a low heat, stirring regularly.
- Throw the pasta into the tomato sauce so it is completely coated.
- Add the fried aubergines to the pasta and sauce.
- Serve with ricotta salata cheese sprinkled on top.
- Buon Appetito!
Eat Sicilian Foods in Sicily!
Pasta alla Norma is a wonderful recipe to make at home. Just follow Nonna’s recipe above and you’ll have a delicious meal that the family will love. But, there’s nothing better than eating Pasta alla Norma in its homeland, under the Sicilian sunshine!
We have beautiful villas to rent all over Sicily. They are the best choice for a holiday in Sicily where you can enjoy privacy, peace and quiet, and authentic Sicilian surroundings. Book one of our villas, head to the local market, and then whip up Pasta alla Norma in your own villa with a pool. Or head to a local restaurant to taste a professional version. What’s stopping you?
Our team have years of experience and can help you organise your holiday in Sicily thanks to our insider knowledge. Get in touch with your questions about a holiday at one of our villas, or take a look at our website and find your dream holiday destination! We look forward to seeing you in Sicily soon!
