Ingredients:

3 cups whole wheat penne rigate pasta

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2½ cups cubed eggplant

1 can (796 ml) diced tomatoes with herbs

1/2 teaspoon onion salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne for 10 to 12 minutes, or until "al dente" (tender but firm). Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
• In large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat; add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until softened.
• Add remaining olive oil, garlic and cubed eggplant; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 8 minutes or until eggplant is softened and starting to brown.
• Stir in tomatoes, onion salt, garlic salt, hot pepper flakes and ground black pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in cooked penne and reserved pasta water; toss to coat for 1 to 2 minutes or until pasta is heated through.
• Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Makes 4 servings.

Did You Know?

It can sometimes be difficult determining which carbohydrates are the healthiest option. Here are some facts about carbohydrates you should know:

Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as pasta, bagels, whole grain breads, and rice. They provide energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These foods are low in fat.

There are three main types of carbohydrates found in foods: sugars, starches, and fiber. Human body needs all three forms of carbohydrates to function properly, so it is important to eat carbohydrates regularly with your meals and snacks.

Sugars and starches are broken down by the body into glucose (blood sugar) to be used as energy.

Fiber is the part of food that is not broken down by the body. Fiber helps you to feel full and can help you stay at a healthy weight.