Fusilli with Eggplant, Pine Nuts, Currants, and Capers

Health score
40%
Fusilli with Eggplant, Pine Nuts, Currants, and Capers
45 min.
8
470kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Fusilli with Eggplant, Pine Nuts, Currants, and Capers. This vibrant dish not only pleases the palate but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave your guests craving for more. The chewy fusilli pasta pairs perfectly with tender eggplant, creating a hearty base for this medley.

As you prepare this dish, the aroma of sautéed garlic and onion fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table, eager to savor what’s cooking. The addition of toasted pine nuts provides a satisfying crunch, while sweet dried currants add a subtle hint of sweetness that beautifully balances the dish's savory elements. Capers contribute a burst of briny flavor, making every bite exciting and refreshing.

Fresh basil adds a touch of herbaceous brightness, elevating the flavors and ensuring every mouthful is a celebration of freshness. Sprinkled with freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese just before serving, this meal transforms into a gourmet experience that’s not only appealing to the eyes but deeply satisfying to the belly. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this Fusilli creation is perfect for lunch or dinner, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy family meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this luscious, wholesome dish that brings warmth to any dining occasion!

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup capers drained
  • 0.8 cup currants dried
  • 32 ounce eggplant 
  • 0.5 cup basil fresh chopped
  • pound rotini pasta 
  •  garlic clove minced
  • tablespoons olive oil 
  • medium onion chopped
  • cup pecorino cheese freshly grated
  • 0.8 cup pinenuts toasted
  • 28.5 ounce tomatoes diced canned

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • paper towels
  • pot

Directions

  1. Place eggplant slices on large rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Sprinkle with salt.
  3. Let stand over 20 minutes. Turn eggplant slices over.
  4. Sprinkle with salt.
  5. Let stand 20 minutes longer. Rinse eggplant.
  6. Drain; pat fry with paper towels.
  7. Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
  8. Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes.
  10. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute.
  11. Add eggplant; sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in pine nuts, currants, and capers; sauté 1 minute.
  12. Add tomatoes with juices; bring to simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  13. Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but firm enough to bite.
  14. Drain. Return pasta to pot.
  15. Add eggplant mixture, 1/4 cup cheese, and basil. Toss to combine.
  16. Transfer to large bowl.
  17. Serve, passing remaining cheese separately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories470kcal
Protein13.14%
Fat31.14%
Carbs55.72%

Properties

Glycemic Index
31.38
Glycemic Load
21.01
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
22.366956541072%

Flavonoids

Delphinidin
97.17mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.03mg
Isorhamnetin
0.69mg
Kaempferol
14.47mg
Myricetin
0.06mg
Quercetin
22.24mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:470.11kcal
23.51%
Fat:16.87g
25.95%
Saturated Fat:3.5g
21.88%
Carbohydrates:67.91g
22.64%
Net Carbohydrates:59.98g
21.81%
Sugar:17.52g
19.47%
Cholesterol:13mg
4.33%
Sodium:609.95mg
26.52%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:16.02g
32.03%
Manganese:2.11mg
105.46%
Selenium:38.69µg
55.27%
Phosphorus:342.92mg
34.29%
Fiber:7.93g
31.71%
Copper:0.59mg
29.65%
Magnesium:105.11mg
26.28%
Vitamin K:25.6µg
24.38%
Potassium:802.12mg
22.92%
Calcium:213.27mg
21.33%
Vitamin E:2.93mg
19.53%
Vitamin B6:0.39mg
19.51%
Iron:3.33mg
18.51%
Vitamin C:14.85mg
18%
Vitamin B3:3.31mg
16.57%
Zinc:2.4mg
15.99%
Vitamin B1:0.22mg
14.99%
Vitamin B2:0.25mg
14.55%
Folate:55.95µg
13.99%
Vitamin B5:0.81mg
8.13%
Vitamin A:304.27IU
6.09%
Vitamin B12:0.14µg
2.33%
Source:Epicurious