Easy Pasta alla Norma

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 small eggplant, sliced
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese