Fregola Pasta with Roasted Romanesco Broccoli and Parmesan

Fregola with Romanesco Broccoli
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetable Broth
   Begin by preparing the vegetable broth. Once it’s ready, keep it warm so that you can add it to the fregola as it cooks.

2. Clean and Prep the Romanesco Broccoli
   Start by cleaning the romanesco broccoli. Remove the outer leaves, and cut the larger florets in half.

3. Sauté the Shallot
   Finely chop the shallot and add it to a large pan with the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the shallot over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soften and become aromatic.

4. Add the Thyme
   While the shallot cooks, strip the leaves from the thyme sprig and finely chop them. Add the chopped thyme to the pan with the shallot, stirring to combine.

5. Cook the Broccoli
   Add the prepared romanesco broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.

6. Add the Fregola and Broth
   Stir in the fregola, mixing it well with the broccoli and shallot mixture. Begin adding the warm vegetable broth gradually. Stir and cook the fregola in the broth, ensuring it’s fully immersed.

7. Cook the Fregola
   Continue cooking the fregola for about 25-30 minutes, or according to the package instructions, stirring frequently. Add more broth if needed to keep the fregola moist as it absorbs the liquid.

8. Finish and Serve
   Once the fregola is tender and the flavors have come together, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish hot, topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP for a rich finish.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant and comforting dish as a main course or as a side to grilled meats or seafood. The nutty flavor of the fregola pairs beautifully with the earthy sweetness of the romanesco broccoli, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Enjoy your Fregola with Romanesco Broccoli, a delightful Italian pasta dish that celebrates the flavors of the season!