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

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

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.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

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.