What is Fregola?
Fregola is a type of pasta that originated in Sardinia, Italy. It is made of semolina flour, water, and rolled into small balls by hand. Fregola is traditionally used in soups and stews, but it also works well in . Its texture is similar to that of couscous, but it has a slightly nuttier taste.
Ingredients
To prepare fregola salad with tuna, celery, and bottarga, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound fregola pasta
– 2 cans of tuna in olive oil
– 2 stalks of celery
– 1/2 cup of grated bottarga
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes
– 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup of lemon juice
– 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the fregola pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
2. Drain the tuna cans and flake the fish with a fork, removing any bones or skin.
3. Clean the celery stalks and cut them into small pieces. Add the celery to the fregola pasta.
4. Add the flaked tuna and cherry tomatoes to the pasta mixture and mix well.
5. Sprinkle the grated bottarga and chopped parsley over the top of the salad.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the salad.
7. Mix well and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve the fregola salad with tuna, celery, and bottarga on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can substitute canned tuna with grilled or fresh tuna. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or cucumbers. If you cannot find bottarga in your local store, you can use grated Parmesan cheese or anchovy paste instead.
Conclusion
Fregola salad with tuna, celery, and bottarga is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the best of Sardinian cuisine. This salad is perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner option that is both healthy and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up this amazing pasta salad and impress your family and friends.