Fregola Sarda: Sardinia’s Toasted Pasta Tradition
Among Sardinia’s most treasured culinary traditions is fregola sarda, a pasta shaped not by machines or rolling, but by movement, patience, and heat.
Rustic, golden, and full of character, fregola reflects the island’s deep respect for simple ingredients and artisanal methods.
How Fregola Sarda Is Made
Fregola sarda is prepared using only durum wheat semolina and lukewarm water, sometimes lightly salted or infused with saffron for aroma and colour.
The process takes place inside a traditional scivedda a large terracotta bowl used in Sardinian kitchens for generations.
Small drops of water are sprinkled over the semolina, while the bowl is worked with continuous circular hand movements. As the grains absorb moisture, they gradually gather and naturally form pearls, growing grain by grain rather than being rolled.
Once shaped, the fregola is:
- Dried
- Then toasted in the oven at 120–150°C for around 15–20 minutes, until golden
This toasting step is essential, giving fregola its unmistakable:
- Nutty, toasted flavour
- Firm yet tender texture
- Deep golden colour
Without toasting, fregola simply wouldn’t be fregola.
How Fregola Is Traditionally Cooked
Unlike most pasta, fregola is cooked directly in liquid, absorbing flavour as it cooks more like risotto than spaghetti.
Classic Sardinian preparations include:
- Fregola ai frutti di mare with clams or prawns
- Tomato, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil
- Light vegetable or seafood broths
- Finished with Sardinian pecorino
The result is a dish that’s comforting, rich, and deeply expressive of place.
Why We Love Fregola at Dolce Italia
At Dolce Italia, we choose products that tell a story and fregola tells the story of Sardinia in every grain.
It represents:
- Authentic regional craftsmanship
- Time-honoured production methods
- Versatility for modern home cooking
- A beautiful alternative to rice or traditional pasta
Simple ingredients, elevated through tradition.
Bring Sardinia to Your Table
Cooking fregola is an invitation to slow down and cook with intention. Each spoonful carries the warmth of terracotta bowls, gentle circular motions, and the essential touch of fire.
This is Sardinia, toasted, golden, and unforgettable.
Buy Fregola sarda from our Pasa collection.
Buon appetito. 🇮🇹