Sicilian Fregola with Roasted Eggplant, Olives, and Capers
Fregola with Eggplant: A Flavorful Italian Dish
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Fregola with eggplant is a traditional Italian dish that combines the earthy flavors of eggplant with the delightful texture of fregola, a small, round pasta from Sardinia. This simple yet flavorful recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes. The eggplant is cooked until soft and tender, then mixed with olives, capers, and fresh tomatoes to create a delicious sauce that coats the fregola beautifully. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that can be served for lunch or dinner, making it an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fregola | 200g |
| Eggplants (Melanzane) | 400g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Salted Capers | 10g |
| Green Olives | 30g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Ripe Tomatoes (Pomodori Ramati) | 400g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tbsp |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by washing and drying the eggplants. Remove the stems and cut them into small cubes. |
| 2 | Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden brown. Once the garlic is golden, remove it from the skillet and discard it. |
| 3 | Add the eggplant cubes to the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the eggplants soften and begin to caramelize. |
| 4 | Season with a pinch of salt and continue cooking, adjusting with additional salt and pepper to taste. |
| 5 | When the eggplants are nearly done, add the capers and sliced green olives. Stir and let everything cook together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. |
| 6 | Meanwhile, cook the fregola in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the fregola once it’s al dente. |
| 7 | Toss the fregola with the eggplant sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta with the flavorful mixture. |
| 8 | Serve the fregola with eggplant immediately while it’s hot, garnished with a little extra olive oil if desired. |
Tips for Perfect Fregola with Eggplant
- You can add some fresh basil or parsley to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- If you want to make the dish more substantial, you could add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top.
- For a tangy twist, you could also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished dish for a zesty kick.
Fregola with eggplant is a delicious, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. The tender eggplants combined with the savory capers, olives, and fresh tomatoes create a rich sauce that perfectly complements the fregola. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table. Enjoy your Italian culinary experience!
