Fregola with Vegetables and Gorgonzola: A Hearty Italian Dish
Fregola with vegetables and gorgonzola is a delightful dish that combines the rustic flavors of pasta and fresh vegetables, with the rich creaminess of gorgonzola cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe is a satisfying and flavorful option for vegetarians or anyone who loves hearty Italian cuisine. The recipe is simple to make and serves 4 people, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fregola | 320g |
| Eggplant (Melanzane) | 300g |
| Zucchini | 300g |
| Carrots (Carote) | 300g |
| Onion (Cipolle) | 100g |
| Gorgonzola cheese | 150g |
| Vegetable broth (Brodo vegetale) | 650g |
| Dry white wine (Vino bianco secco) | Β½ glass |
| Fresh parsley (Prezzemolo) | to taste |
| Coarse salt (Sale grosso) | to taste |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Black pepper (Pepe nero) | to taste |
Instructions:
Step 1 β Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by cleaning and preparing the vegetables. Wash and trim the eggplant, then cut it into small cubes. Do the same with the zucchini and carrots. Dice the onion into small pieces as well. Set all the vegetables aside, ready for cooking.
Step 2 β SautΓ© the Vegetables:
In a large casserole dish or pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sautΓ© until softened and translucent. Then, add the cubed zucchini and eggplant. Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat for a few minutes until they begin to soften and get a bit of color. Add a pinch of coarse salt to season the vegetables while sautΓ©ing.
Step 3 β Deglaze with White Wine:
Once the vegetables are slightly browned, pour in the dry white wine. Stir well, and allow the wine to evaporate completely, which should take a couple of minutes.
Step 4 β Simmer the Vegetables:
After the wine has evaporated, reduce the heat to low. Add the vegetable broth and let the vegetables simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth will infuse the vegetables with flavor while they soften.
Step 5 β Cook the Fregola:
In the meantime, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fregola according to package instructions. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook to al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the fregola, reserving a little pasta water.
Step 6 β Combine Fregola and Vegetables:
Once the vegetables are tender and have absorbed the broth, add the cooked fregola into the casserole with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, and let everything cook together for a few more minutes. Adjust seasoning with fine salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7 β Add the Gorgonzola:
After the fregola has absorbed the flavors of the vegetables and broth, add the crumbled gorgonzola cheese to the mix. Stir thoroughly to melt the cheese into the dish, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.
Step 8 β Rest and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fats | 12g |
| Saturated Fats | 6g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
Cooking Tips:
- For extra creaminess, add a little bit of cream or mascarpone cheese along with the gorgonzola for a smoother texture.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in other vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach to make the dish your own.
- Broth Choice: You can use homemade vegetable broth or store-bought. A rich, flavorful broth really elevates the taste of the dish.
- Gorgonzola Substitute: If you prefer a milder cheese, you can substitute the gorgonzola with a mild blue cheese or even a soft goat cheese.
This Fregola with Vegetables and Gorgonzola is an ideal dish for any season, offering a balance of savory, creamy, and earthy flavors. The texture of fregola, a type of Sardinian pasta, pairs perfectly with the melty gorgonzola and vibrant vegetables. Itβs an easy yet comforting meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Enjoy this dish with a glass of your favorite white wine, and indulge in the flavors of Italy!
