Indulge in the hearty and comforting flavors of Tre Fagioli with Fregola, a classic Italian soup that combines the goodness of three types of beans with the unique texture of fregola, a Sardinian toasted semolina pasta. This delightful dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a delightful medley of soft, tender beans, toothsome fregola, and a savory broth infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Discover how to prepare this wholesome soup with three irresistible variations: the traditional Tre Fagioli with Fregola, a vegetarian-friendly version, and a smoky pancetta-infused rendition. Each recipe offers a unique twist on this Italian favorite, catering to diverse dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Explore the culinary journey of Tre Fagioli with Fregola and savor the authentic tastes of Italian tradition.
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SPICY CALAMARI WITH FREGOLA
In Sardinia, rustic saucy fish stews are commonly served with fregola, simmered golden nuggets of toasted semolina, hearty and satisfying. A relative of couscous, fregola arrived by ship from nearby Tunisia, became popular and melded into the local cuisine long ago. The little round pellets are the size of a peppercorn, or a bit larger. When cooked, they have a pleasant, slightly chewy texture. Traditionally, fregola is used in vegetable soups as a way to add substance; prepared like a juicy risotto with the concentrated flavor of clams or other shellfish; or served as part of a room-temperature salad. Most Italian stores in the United States carry it, but you may substitute Israeli-style pearl couscous, which has a similar flavor.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, lunch, grains and rice, seafood, soups and stews, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Spread the calamari on a baking sheet and pat dry as best you can with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, wide skillet over high heat. Add calamari and quickly stir-fry, cooking for only 1 minute, until puffed. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside.
- Return pan to stove, reduce heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add crushed red pepper, anchovy and garlic and let sizzle, then add onions and stir well.
- Season onions generously and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and faintly colored. Add saffron and wine and simmer for 1 minute, then add tomato and broth. Adjust heat so sauce simmers gently for about 10 minutes, until flavors are well mingled. Taste for salt and hot pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring 4 cups salted water to a boil. Add fregola and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
- Add par-cooked calamari to the sauce over high heat. Add basil leaves and stir well until everything is heated through and calamari are completely cooked, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a warm serving bowl and fold in cooked fregola. Sprinkle with oregano, add a drizzle of olive oil, if desired, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 348, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 30 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 766 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
FREGOLA WITH CORN
Steps:
- In a medium pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add fregola and cook until tender yet springy and chewy, 12 to 14 minutes. Drain, rinse under cool water, and drain again.
- Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat, and add butter, corn or peas, scallions, and vegetable stock. Cook at a lively simmer, stirring occasionally, until the corn or peas are cooked and the broth is reduced by about half, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and add fregola and Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano. The mixture should be gooey like macaroni and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, serve with a green salad.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 719, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 120 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 959 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for ripe tomatoes, tender beans, and flavorful broth.
- Don't overcook the beans: Beans should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked beans will become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Add the fregola at the end of cooking: Fregola is a type of pasta that cooks quickly, so it should be added to the soup near the end of cooking. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked.
- Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You may also want to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of pesto for extra flavor.
- Serve the soup hot: Tre Fagioli is best served hot, so make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion:
Tre Fagioli with Fregola is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients. So next time you're looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, give Tre Fagioli with Fregola a try.
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