Eggplant Pasta Salad

Serving Size: Serves 6

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 eggplant, cut into 1/2 pieces

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar

salt and pepper

1 Tablespoon sugar

2 Tablespoons caper

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)

1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

1 cup dried penne

4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan

Adapted From: myrecipes.com

Description
This flavorful pasta salad will become a regular in your rotation. Great for barbecues and potlucks.

Preparation
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the celery and cook, 3 minutes. Stir in the eggplant and tomatoes. In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the sugar. Stir into the eggplant. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the capers, pine nuts (if using), and parsley. Meanwhile, cook the penne according to the package directions. Toss with the remaining oil, let cool, and cover. Combine the eggplant with the pasta and top with grated Parmesan before serving.