Name: Macaroni and Eggplant
Cook time: 1 1/2 hr
Total time: 2 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 10 first-course servings
Ingredients: 2 (1 1/2-lb) large eggplants (not Asian), trimmed; 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (preferably Sicilian); 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 (28-oz) can whole Italian tomatoes, finely chopped and juice reserved; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 3/4 lb perciatelli or bucatini (long tubular pasta); Accompaniment: finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano; a deep-fat thermometer

Image may contain Plant Dish Food Meal Vegetable and Pasta

Macaroni and EggplantMartyn Thompson

Maccheroni e Melanzane

This is a pasta dish that is served in Sicilian homes and home-style restaurants, rather than upscale places. The recipe calls for perciatelli or bucatini, which is what Italians consider maccheroni.

Cooks' notes:

•Tomato sauce, without basil, can be made 2 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Stir in basil before proceeding.
•To take the temperature of a shallow amount of oil, put bulb in skillet and turn thermometer facedown, resting other end against rim of skillet. Check temperature frequently.
•Dish can be assembled (but not baked) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered (basil may discolor). Bring to room temperature to bake.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.