4 to 6ouncesof linguine or other long pastaregular or gluten-free
3small purple globe eggplants
2 to 3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oildivided
1tablespoonfinely chopped fresh mint
4teaspoonshoneyor to taste
2ouncescrumbled feta
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. If you can fit two cookie sheets on one oven rack, I’d recommend using two. (See Notes.)
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Generously salt the water. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally. Follow the directions on the package and cook until just al dente.
Preheat your oven air fryer or regular oven to 400°F.
Peel the eggplants and cut into 1/4-inch rounds. Getting the pieces to be a uniform thickness helps to cook them evenly.
Add the rounds to a bowl and toss with extra virgin olive oil, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You’ll need 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Place the eggplant in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet(s).
Place sheet(s) in the oven. If you’re using the air fryer setting, it will take about 20 minutes. If you’re roasting the eggplant, it will take 25 to 30 minutes (depending on the thickness of the eggplant). Flip the eggplant halfway through (with both cooking methods).
Drain the linguine and divide it between two pasta bowls.
Toss with a small amount of extra virgin oil, some mint and a drizzle of honey. Top with eggplant rounds, feta, remaining mint and a generous drizzle of honey.
Notes
* When I use my oven for air frying, I put the rack one level below the top. If you are roasting, you could use cookie sheets on separate racks. * You’ll want to time the pasta and eggplant to be done at roughly the same time. Depending on how you’re cooking the eggplant (air fryer or oven) will determine your timing. * Measurements are suggestions in this recipe – use more or less to suit your taste. * My favorite gluten-free pasta is Rummo from Italy which I purchase on Amazon.