Imagine yourself strolling across the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, the sun casting a warm glow over the lush vineyards and olive groves. As you continue your journey, the landscape gradually transforms into the stunning coastline of the Italian Riviera, where the salty breeze of the Mediterranean Sea mingles with the aroma of fresh seafood being prepared in quaint seaside kitchens. This is the Italy destination – a place where every meal is a celebration of life, love, and tradition.

In this spirit, we are delighted to highlight our Duomo collection. Inspired by the classical majesty of Italian cathedrals, Duomo brings the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance to your dining table as functional, everyday dishes. Each piece in this collection is a tribute to the intricate beauty and timeless elegance of Italian architectural masterpieces.

What better way to complement this exquisite dinnerware than with a deliciously authentic Italian seafood recipe? In today's blog post, we'll share a recipe for seafood fregola, a dish that perfectly captures the coastal flavors of Italy and pairs beautifully with the Duomo collection.

So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the rich history of Italian art with the vibrant tastes of its coastal cuisine. But first, we’ll dive deeper into the inspiration and details of the Duomo collection.

Duomo: The Italy Destination and Everyday Dishes

Step into the splendor of Italy with our Duomo collection, a dinnerware set inspired by the majestic cathedrals that grace the Italian skyline. Drawing inspiration specifically from the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and the Milan Cathedral, each piece in this collection echoes the architectural brilliance and artistic heritage of these historical landmarks. For those interested in diving deeper into the mysterious construction of the Florence Duomo cathedral dome and the artists who painted its inner murals, we have an entire blog post dedicated to it. You can read more about it here.



The Duomo collection is characterized by its intricate patterns and refined craftsmanship, reminiscent of the beauty of the Italian Renaissance. Each detail is thoughtfully designed to evoke the grandeur and elegance of these architectural masterpieces, as though the viewer were actually looking up at the brilliant majesty of Italian architecture, consequently bringing a touch of classical charm to your gatherings.



Crafted from high-quality stoneware, Duomo dinnerware is as durable as it is beautiful. These pieces are built to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their stunning appearance. The collection includes various items, from elegant dinnerware sets and versatile serving bowls to sophisticated oval and rectangular platters. Our breakfast accessory set comes with a butter dish and salt/creamer containers, and our table accessory set features a spoon rest, napkin holders, and salt/pepper shakers. We also offer pitchers that are perfect for serving your favorite beverages in style.

With the Duomo collection, every meal becomes an opportunity to live the romance and artistry of an Italy destination. And what better way to experience the magic of Duomo than with an authentic Italian recipe?

An Italian Summer Gathering Favorite: Seafood Fregola

Yield: 4 servings

• 12 oz Fregola
• 12 oz Mussels
• 12 oz Clams
• 10 oz Cockles
• ¼ c White wine
• 10-12 cherry tomatoes
• 2 Garlic cloves
• Crushed or powdered chilli
• Chopped parsley
• Olive oil
• Salt

Instructions

Clean & Brine the Seafood:

1. Remove the byssus (hairy fibers) from the mussels with a firm pull.
2. Scrape off any incrustations using the tip of a knife, then scrub with a hard sponge so the outer shells are smooth and cleaned.
3. Rinse the mussels thoroughly. Combine them with clams and cockles in a bowl of salted water (2 tablespoons of salt per quart) and let them soak for at least 2 hours, changing the water occasionally to remove any sand.

Cook the Seafood:

1. After brining, rinse the seafood under running water and place it in a pan with a lid.
2. Cook over high heat until the shells open, then strain the pan fluid, preserving and setting the broth aside.
3. Remove most of the seafood from their shells, keeping just a few in the shells for garnish at the end.

Cook the Fregola:

1. In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the garlic (whole or chopped) with your preferred spice level of crushed or powdered chili.
2. Add the fregola to the pan and toast it lightly to enhance its nutty flavor.
3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until mostly evaporated.
4. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes and some filtered seafood broth.
5. Cook the fregola, stirring occasionally, and add more broth as needed to keep it from drying out.

Combine and Serve:

1. Once the fregola is nearly cooked, stir in the seafood (without shells) and season with additional salt, if desired.
2. Just before serving, top the dish with the shelled seafood and garnish with chopped parsley.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful taste of Italian coastal cuisine!

Make It Your Own: Substitutions for Italian Seafood Fregola

As an authentic Italian recipe, some ingredients may not be as readily available for a global audience. Here’s some additional information to help you find suitable substitutions based on what's available to you:

Substitutions for Cockles: Cockles are small, sweet, clam-like mollusks commonly used in Italian seafood dishes. If you don’t have access to cockles, you can use more clams to maintain a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can add shrimp or another seafood you enjoy, which pairs beautifully with mussels and clams.

Substitution for Fregola: Fregola is a type of Sardinian pasta similar to couscous but with a distinctive roasted, nutty flavor and a coarser texture. If fregola is hard to find, substitute it with toasted couscous to mimic the texture. To produce a nutty flavor, add ingredients like nuts or nut oil during the toasting phase.

Bringing the Romance of Italy to Your Gatherings with Seafood Fregola and Duomo

As we bring this article to a close, we invite you to visualize yourself once again visiting the Italian countryside: it’s a warm summer evening, and the sun is gracefully setting over the rolling hills. The air is filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers and the distant sound of church bells. You’re sitting at a rustic wooden table adorned with Duomo dinnerware, and your seafood fregola's spicy scent is now entering your sensory consciousness.



This seafood fregola recipe transports you to the vibrant coastal towns of Italy, where the sea breeze mingles with the aroma of freshly cooked seafood. The juicy clams, mussels, and cockles harmonize with the nutty fregola, creating a dish that is both rich and refreshing. The burst of flavors, paired with the stunning Duomo collection, truly makes a meal feel like an experience–and a celebration of life.

This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve it in Duomo dinnerware for everyday family dinners, or elevate your gatherings with an Italian Festa theme for special summer evenings. It’s also an excellent choice for college graduation parties, summer soirées, and classy gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a touch of Italian elegance.

Shop the Duomo collection today and enjoy your seafood fregola in your beautiful new dishes!

Buon appetito!

 

SHOP DUOMO