Rigatoni with Italian Eggplant

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups Italian eggplant, diced to 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
• 2/3 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 pound dry rigatoni
• Grated Romano cheese, to finish

Directions

Heat olive oil in a 3 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the eggplant and cook. Continue stirring until softened, about 3 more minutes.

Add tomatoes, with liquid, breaking them up with the back of spoon. Stir in wine, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Bring large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente; drain. Toss pasta with sauce in pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Serve on a large platter and top with grated Romano cheese.