Foryoueats: Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant pasta)

Ingredients

• 800g / 1.6 lb eggplant , cut into 2.5cm/1" cubes (2 medium/large ones)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
• Pasta Sauce:
• 2 garlic cloves , finely minced
• 1/2 small onion , very finely chopped (or 2 eschallots)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine , anything not too sweet or woody (Note 1)
• 700g / 24 oz tomato passata (aka tomato puree, Note 2)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes , optional (for a hint of heat)
• 300g / 10 oz spaghetti or other pasta, long or short (macaroni, rigatoni, penne, ziti, fettucini, bucatini)
• Serving:
• 1/2 cup basil leaves , roughly chopped (Note 3)
• Parmesan cheese , grated (or ricotta salata if you have it – more traditional)