Fregola, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms and walnuts

Although it’s not a grain, fregola is made from wheat and so it kind of fits in here. Other, similar, versions are known as Israeli couscous, maftoul or mograbiah. Some simply look like white balls of dried pasta dough, some are uneven in shape and some are toasted. In my mind, the key to a flavoursome dish using any of these is always to toast the fregola (if it’s not already toasted) before boiling it, either by frying in oil, as here, or dry toasting it in the oven. Alternatively, you co