Fusilli with Mixed Vegetable Sauce

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add pancetta (or ham) and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, then add eggplant, bell peppers and zucchini. Season with salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and crushed red pepper. Raise heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes collapse and begin to form a sauce, about 10 minutes. Pour in water, cover, reduce heat to maintain a bare simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Check occasionally, adding a little more water if needed to achieve a saucelike consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
2. Meanwhile, cook fusilli in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain. Transfer to a warm bowl. Add the sauce and cheese and toss well. Serve immediately on warm plates.

Tips & Notes

• Tip: To peel and seed tomatoes:
• 1. Before you start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place a large bowl of ice water next to the stove. Using a sharp paring knife, core the tomatoes and score a small “X” into the flesh on the bottom.
• 2. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water, in batches, until the skins are slightly loosened, 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
• 3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water and let sit in the water for 1 minute before removing.
• 4. Peel the tomatoes using a paring knife. Halve them crosswise and scoop out the seeds with a hooked finger.

Nutrition