Baked Rigatoni Alla Norma

• 2 pounds eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or use 24 to 26 ounce bottled sauce)
• 1 pound dried rigatoni
• 1 pound cold mozzarella (preferably salted fresh), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1. Toss eggplant with 2 teaspoon salt in a colander. Drain 30 minutes. Rinse, then squeeze out excess liquid and pat dry.
2. Preheat oven to 350u0b0F with rack in middle.
3. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry eggplant in 3 batches, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
4. Discard all but 2 tablespoons oil from skillet, then saute onion with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper until golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in sauce and eggplant and simmer 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 tablespoons salt for 6 quart water) until al dente, then drain. Stir together pasta, sauce, and half of mozzarella in pot. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake until cheese is melted and golden in spots, about 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

eggplant, olive oil, onion, marinara sauce, rigatoni, mozzarella

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/baked-rigatoni-alla-norma-351159 (may not work)