Fregola is a pasta from Sardinia, made by rubbing semolina with a little water by hand into small irregular beads, which are then toasted in the oven. Hence its amber colour and slightly toasty aroma.
It is traditionally served with fish, but its texture, like a large couscous, makes it perfect with vegetables too: asparagus and mint, spinach and chard, or in warm salads. It cooks in about ten minutes in salted boiling water.