This Italian porridge, also known as fregola porridge is a pasta porridge made with tiny pasta called fregola. It has a hearty flavor and is enjoyed for breakfast. I make it with caramelized apples.
When I think of porridge or oatmeal, I usually think of oats. I think a lot of us do. But there is this thing called Italian porridge that is made with pasta and it’s a true revelation and my newest obsession.
I haven’t thought of using fregola in a sweet dish until I saw it in Antonio Carluccio’s Pasta book. He makes pasta porridge with strawberry sauce. It’s a mix of milky pasta and sweet strawberries. Almost like eating strawberries and ice cream, but heartier and so insanely satisfying.
Fregola, also called fregula, is a type of pasta that originates from Sardinia, Italy. It’s made of semolina dough that is shaped into tiny balls which are then toasted.
When cooked into a porridge, the texture reminds me of rice porridge. It looks similar too. But it’s pasta! And the topping options are endless. I make this porridge with caramelized apples. You can change the fruit based on the season you’re making this.
Using cocoa powder or melted chocolate would be really delicious in this too.
I don’t know how to classify pasta porridge, as it’s such a unique thing. I think making it for breakfast, calling it breakfast, is the most appropriate.
For me, I love it as a midday meal. Something comforting between lunch and dinner, especially during the colder months.
More apple recipes to explore
- Apple oatmeal smoothie (Really filling and great for breakfast on the go.)
- Caramelized apple yogurt parfaits (A great no-bake dessert, especially when paired with heavier meals.)
- Easy puff pastry apple pies (These hand pies with puff pastry are so easy and fast to make, you’ll want to bake them every week.)
- Apple cider mascarpone cake (A show stopping and delicious layer cake.)
Recipe
(Italian pasta) Fregola porridge with caramelized apples
Ingredients
- 7 oz fregola pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds apples peeled, cored, cut into small chunks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar more to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a wide skillet, bring milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the pasta. Cook for about 30 minutes, until the milk reduces a bit and the pasta becomes very soft and creamy.
- Set aside, add the honey and stir until incorporated. Let cool to room temperature.
- As the porridge is cooking, you can start making caramelized apples. Melt butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and brown.
- Add sugar and stir until it melts, keep cooking for about a minute, then add the cinnamon. Stir until incorporated.
- Pour in the cream and simmer until the sauce thickens, about a minute.
- Serve pasta porridge in shallow bowl, with spoonfuls of caramelized apples on top.
