Pasta alla Norma

Method

1. Chop the aubergine into 2cm chunks and put in a colander. Sprinkle with salt then leave to sit for 10 minutes to draw out the excess moisture. Wipe with kitchen paper.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat then add the aubergine in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 5-8 minutes until softened and golden. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon or your hands as you do so. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pan of salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Reserve a little of the cooking water before draining. Stir the cooked pasta into the aubergine sauce, adding enough of the cooking water to help it emulsify. Add the basil then serve topped with the pecorino.