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Frascatelli with Pecorino and Mustard Greens

This rustic vegetarian dish celebrates the traditional Italian technique of handmade frascatelli. These irregular, quick-cook semolina dumplings offer a delightful texture that perfectly captures the richness of a simple brown butter sauce. The addition of peppery mustard greens provides a vibrant, earthy balance to the dish, while a generous dusting of salty Pecorino cheese brings everything together for a truly comforting meal.

Ideal for a weeknight supper or an impressive starter, this frascatelli recipe is surprisingly simple to master at home. Using just a few store-cupboard essentials like semolina and butter, you can create a fresh pasta alternative that feels sophisticated yet wholesome. Serve it immediately while the greens are just wilted to enjoy the full depth of the toasted butter and sharp cheese shavings.

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Ingredients for Frascatelli with Pecorino and Mustard Greens

  • 250g semolina flour (pasta flour)

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1 bunch mustard greens (about 170g ), centre ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into pieces (about 900g )

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 40g grated Pecorino or Parmesan

  • Ingredient info: Semolina flour is available at Italian markets, specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.

Spread semolina flour in an even layer in an 8x8x2" baking dish. Fill a small bowl with 240ml water and set next to dish. Working in 4-5 batches, gather your fingertips and thumb of 1 hand together and, working quickly, dip into bowl of water, lift hand from bowl, and splatter water over semolina. Repeat several times until surface of semolina is dotted with ragged wet patches about the size of a nickel. Let stand until water is absorbed, forming individual dumplings, about 5 seconds. Using a fish spatula or slotted spoon, turn dumplings over to coat with semolina, then transfer to a sieve. Shake gently over same baking dish to remove excess semolina; transfer dumplings to a large rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining semolina and water until all of the water or all of the semolina has been used (there may be some water or semolina left over).

Working in 3-4 batches, cook dumplings in a large pot of slowly boiling salted water (if the water is boiling too rapidly, it may break up the dumplings), gently swirling water once or twice to prevent sticking, until al dente, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer frascatelli to another large rimmed baking sheet.

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is foamy and browned bits form on the bottom of pan, about 2 minutes. Add cooked frascatelli and toss gently to coat. Add mustard greens and fold gently just to coat and slightly wilt the greens. Season to taste with salt and pepper and divide among bowls. Top frascatelli with grated Pecorino.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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