Is Fregola Sarda the same as couscous?

Fregola and couscous are not the same. Fregola is a type of pasta from Sardinia made from toasted semolina dough, resulting in small, round grains. Conversely, Couscous is a grain-based dish made from crushed durum wheat semolina that is steamed, creating tiny granules. While they appear similar, their production methods, texture, and flavors differ.

How long does it take to cook Fregola pasta?

To cook Fregola Sarda, boil a pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente. Drain the cooked fregola and use it in various recipes, such as soups, salads, or as a side dish.

What is Fregola made of?

Fregola Sarda is a traditional Sardinian pasta made from semolina dough, water, and salt. The pasta is shaped into small, round balls, similar to couscous, and then toasted in the oven to achieve a slightly nutty flavor and golden color.

How to use Fregola Pasta

This delightful pasta is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to salads and main courses. Its porous texture allows it to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it's cooked with, making it an excellent choice for hearty and flavorful dishes.

Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese

Ingredients

Scale

500 grams Fregola Sarda Pasta or this Fregola Sarda Pasta
5 medium zucchini, diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups pecorino cheese or parmigiano cheese, freshly grated
10 slices provolone cheese mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
6 basil leaves, torn into pieces

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe baking dish (13×9) with cooking spray and set aside.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onions become translucent.
Add the diced zucchini and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they soften slightly. Stir in basil leaves and turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Fregola Sarda pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches the “al dente” stage. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Add the pasta water and cooked fregola pasta to the pan with zucchini and onion. Stir to combine.
Layer half of the fregola and zucchini in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the pecorino and layer half of the sliced cheese on top of the first layer. Repeat with remaining fregola and reaming cheeses.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot! Enjoy.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Savory
Method: Italian
Cuisine: Italian