Fregola Sarda Pasta from Rustichella d'Abruzzo

Traditional Pasta Shape of Sardinia

Like an Italian take on couscous, fregola (known as fregula in Sardinia) is coarsely textured balls of pasta that have been rolled by hand, dried and then toasted in a wood-burning oven for nutty, complex flavor. The dense, chewy pasta is excellent both hot and cold—serve up a steaming bowl of Bon Appétit Magazine's Fregola with Clams, toss warm fregola with a simple dressing of colatura and extra virgin olive oil or serve cold or at room temperature in a salad with tuna and grilled vegetables.

About the Producer:
In 1981, Nicolina Peduzzi decided to revive the pastificio (pasta factory) her father had started 50 years earlier in a small town in Abruzzo, Italy. More family members joined the business, which quickly grew into one of the most extensive artisanal pasta lines in Italy. Nicolina, the matriarch, remains the keeper of artisan core values, which she demonstrates personally at every incredible meal she cooks for the family. (And in fact, in the Peduzzi family, many important business decisions are made over a heaping dish of spaghetti!) It is these wonderful meals and moments shared at the family table that ensure that Rustichella d’Abruzzo will continue to maintain high levels of integrity, professionalism and passion for quality.

Featured in these recipes:

• Fregola Sarda with Zucchini Clams