Fregola with Charred Onions and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
(adapted from Food and Wine & Jeff Banker)
Fregola is a roughly grated pasta bead from Sardinia with a nutty flavor and chewy texture that is a perfect base for summer salad.
Ingredients for Tomatoes
-
1-pint cherry tomatoes
-
2 tablespoons The Olive Scene Basil Infused Olive Oil
-
Salt
-
Freshly ground pepper
Ingredients for Onions
-
2 medium red onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick
-
¼ cup The Olive Scene Basil Infused Olive Oil, divided
-
Salt
-
Freshly ground pepper
-
2 tablespoons Olive Scene Neapolitan Herb Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients for Fregola
-
dried Fregola Pasta
-
2 tablespoons Neapolitan Herb Balsamic Vinegar
-
Salt
-
Freshly ground pepper
-
1 cup torn basil leaves
Instructions
PREPARE THE TOMATOES
-
Preheat the oven to 400°.
-
In a bowl, toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
-
Place on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, but not mushy.
-
Reduce oven temperature to 350°
PREPARE THE ONIONS
-
Light a grill or preheat a grill pan.
-
Brush the onions with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
-
Grill over moderately high heat until nicely charred but still crisp in the center, about 3 minutes per side.
-
Transfer the onions to a baking dish. Add the vinegar and the rest of the olive oil and bake in 350° oven for 20 minutes, until tender.
-
Let the onions cool in the liquid, then coarsely chop them.
-
Reserve the liquid.
MAKE THE FREGOLA
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fregola and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fregola is al dente, about 15 minutes.
-
Drain and spread out in a large roasting , or 9x13 pan.
-
Allow to cool slightly, tossing occasionally to break up the pasta lumps over 5 minutes
-
While the fregola is still warm, add the onions and their cooking liquid, along with the tomatoes.
-
Stir in the vinegar and olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
-
Garnish with the basil and serve.
MAKE AHEAD
-
The recipe can be prepared and refrigerated overnight.
-
Serve at room temperature.