Savory Fregola Sarda with Fresh Seafood Recipe
Looking for a dish that perfectly marries the flavors of the sea with a unique pasta? This Fregola Sarda with Seafood Recipe is just what you need. Made with tiny roasted pasta pearls and a medley of seafood, it’s a delightful and satisfying meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Imagine sitting at a seaside restaurant, enjoying the gentle breeze while savoring every bite of this hearty dish. The combination of tender fregola and fresh shrimp, mussels, and calamari creates an unforgettable experience that’s both comforting and refreshing.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it with your favorite seafood or whatever is fresh at the market. It’s a great way to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at home.
Exploring the Mediterranean Delight
This dish presents a unique way to experience the flavors of the Mediterranean. Fregola Sarda with Seafood Recipe brings together tiny roasted pasta pearls with a vibrant medley of fresh seafood, creating a meal that captivates the senses.
Imagine a plate adorned with colorful shrimp, mussels, and calamari, each bite harmonizing with the rich taste of the sea. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon wedges not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing zest that elevates the dish.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this dish lies in its ingredients. Fregola sarda, a toasted pasta from Sardinia, serves as a delightful base, offering a unique texture that pairs perfectly with seafood.
With the inclusion of fresh produce like cherry tomatoes and bell pepper, the dish bursts with color and flavor. The seafood components are not only a highlight but also provide essential nutrients. Utilizing high-quality seafood stock further enriches the overall taste, making each mouthful a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.
Cooking Techniques for Success
Preparation of this dish involves a few key steps that ensure the ingredients shine through. Sautéing aromatic vegetables builds a flavorful foundation, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Simmering the seafood in a savory broth enhances the natural flavors, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and light. The seamless combination of fregola and seafood creates a comforting yet elevated dining experience.
The Perfect Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, presentation plays a significant role. A rustic wooden table serves as a charming backdrop, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe of the meal. Plating the fregola with seafood in a shallow bowl allows the colors to pop, making it visually appealing.
Don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of green, while lemon wedges invite diners to add a splash of brightness to their plates. This attention to detail not only makes for a stunning presentation but also invites guests to engage with the dish.
Pairing and Enjoying the Dish
Complementing a plate of fregola sarda with seafood can elevate the dining experience. A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino, pairs wonderfully, enhancing the meal’s freshness.
Gather around the table with friends or family, enjoying the flavors of the dish while sharing stories and laughter. This meal is perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions, making it a versatile choice for any host.
Adapting the Recipe to Personal Tastes
The Fregola Sarda with Seafood Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with different seafood based on availability or personal preference. Clams, scallops, or even a mix of your favorite shellfish can be incorporated for an exciting twist.
Vegetarians can also enjoy a version of this dish by substituting seafood with seasonal vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table can partake in the Mediterranean flavors. The adaptability of this recipe truly showcases its potential to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Delicious Fregola Sarda with Seafood
This Fregola Sarda with Seafood is a rich and flavorful dish featuring a variety of seafood simmered in a savory broth, tossed with nutty, toasted fregola. It’s both hearty and light, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fregola sarda
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g baby courgettes, sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups seafood stock or fish broth
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup mussels, cleaned
- 1 cup calamari, sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Fregola: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the fregola according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are soft. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes, courgettes and Wine: Add the cherry tomatoes, baby courgettes and white wine to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften.
- Simmer the Seafood: Pour in the seafood stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Add the shrimp, mussels, and calamari, cooking until the seafood is cooked through and mussels have opened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold in the cooked fregola and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g