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Fregola Sarda

Fregola Sarda - Simple Easy Meals

When talking about food that inspires both joy and satisfaction, my thoughts immediately turn to fregola sarda. If you've never tried this delightful jewel from Sardinia, let me tell you, it has a charm that deserves your attention. 
The chewy, toasted pasta balls have a rich nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients.
The beauty of fregola lies in its versatility. You can toss it with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, or your favorite proteins. For summer gatherings, I love combining fregola with grilled chicken or shrimp, making for a dish that's both hearty and refreshing. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 189

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 or 3 medium endives, cored & cut into 1/2-inch ribbons
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • Sea salt fine-grain
  • 1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
  • a sprinkle of dried currants
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 1/4 cups fregola

Method
 

Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients
  1. Start by preparing all your ingredients. Cook your fregola according to the package instructions. I usually boil it in salted water until it's al dente. While the pasta is cooking, get your vegetables and herbs prepped. Cut the endives into ribbons, crush the garlic, and chop the olives and hazelnuts.
Step 2: Boil the Eggs
  1. Place your three large eggs in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and once boiling, let them simmer for 9-12 minutes for hard-boiled. Once done, take them out and place them in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Combine your Fregola and Ingredients
  1. Once the fregola is done cooking, drain it and put it in a large bowl. While it’s still warm, drizzle it with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for flavor and to keep it from clumping.
    Throw in the endive ribbons, garlic, calamatas, capers, and hazelnuts. Give it a good stir to mix everything and let the warmth bring out the flavors.
Step 4: Adding Final Touches
  1. Now it's time for the star flavors. Zest the lemon and squeeze in the juice. Toss in the torn basil leaves along with a sprinkle of dried currants for a hint of sweetness.
Step 5: Chop Eggs and Season
  1. Peel your hard-boiled eggs and chop them up. Fold them gently into the fregola mixture and season everything with fine sea salt to taste. You want to enhance those flavors, not overpower them.
Step 6: Serve!
  1. This dish can be served warm or chilled, making it so versatile. The flavors meld together beautifully if you let it rest for a bit after prepping. Perfect for a picnic or as a side at dinner.

Notes

  • Fregola: This pasta has a similar shape and size to couscous, but offers a unique texture and flavor due to its toasting process.
  • Capers: Their briny taste adds depth. Rinsing them helps reduce some of the saltiness if that’s a concern.
  • Hazelnuts: Toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before chopping for maximum flavor.
  • Currants: These tiny little gems add bursts of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the savory elements.
  • Lemon: The zest is as important as the juice. Both elements invigorate the entire dish.
  • Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs provide extra protein. You can skip them if you're looking to keep the dish vegan.