Eggplant Bolognese

2 T olive oil
2 1/4 cups onions
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 pound ground sirloin
8 cups eggplant
1 T minced garlic
1 T tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
28 ounce can whole tomatoes
1 T red wine vinegar
12 ounces spaghetti
1/4 cup fresh basil

1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and beef; cook 10 minutes or until beef is browned, stirring to crumble beef. Add eggplant, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook 20 minutes or until eggplant is very tender, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine; cook 1 minute, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Add tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes as necessary. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and red wine vinegar.
Cook pasta according to package directions, adding 1 tablespoon kosher salt to cooking water. Drain. Toss pasta with sauce; sprinkle with basil leaves.

Serving Size: Makes 8 1 cup servings.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user WATERCOLORMOM.