Frittata: A Versatile Italian Egg Dish
Frittata (frih-TAH-tah) is a savory Italian egg dish similar to an omelette, but typically thicker and cooked on the stovetop and finished in the oven. Frittata is incredibly versatile and can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here’s how to create your delicious Frittata:
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional Fillings (choose some or all):
- 1/2 cup diced cooked vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage (such as Italian sausage)
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked ham or pancetta
- 1/4 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, chives)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano), salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare the Fillings: If using, heat a separate pan with a drizzle of olive oil and saute your chosen fillings (vegetables, meats) until cooked through. Set aside.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well) heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Pour in the Egg Mixture: Swirl the oil to coat the pan, then pour in the egg mixture.
- Add Fillings (Optional): Evenly distribute your desired cooked fillings over the top of the eggs in the pan.
- Cook the Bottom: Let the frittata cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges begin to set and the bottom is golden brown.
- Transfer to Oven: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into wedges or squares for serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Non-Stick Pan: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a regular non-stick pan for cooking the frittata on the stovetop and then transfer it to a baking dish to finish in the oven.
- Variety of Fillings: The beauty of Frittata is its versatility. Experiment with different leftover vegetables, cooked meats, cheeses, or herbs to create your own flavor combinations.
- Pre-cooked Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially meats and vegetables, are pre-cooked before adding them to the egg mixture.
- Cheese Variations: You can use different types of grated cheese, such as mozzarella, Gruyere, or fontina, to add variety to your Frittata.
- Leftovers: Frittata is a great dish for meal prepping or using leftover ingredients. It reheats well and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
With its ease of preparation and endless variations, Frittata is a delicious and satisfying Italian egg dish that you can enjoy throughout the day.
Estimated Per Serving:
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 36 grams
- Carbs: 5-10 grams
Fiber: Negligible