Cheesy Frittata

Italian Cheesy Frittata Recipe with Vegetarian Ingredients

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cheesy Frittata is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This recipe combines eggs, vegetables, and cheese to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.

History

The frittata is an Italian dish that is similar to an omelette or quiche. It is typically made with eggs, cheese, and a variety of vegetables or meats. The frittata is a popular dish in Italy and is often served as a simple and hearty meal.

Ingredients

2 tsp low-fat margarine
0.5 cup diced onion
0.5 cup diced red bell pepper
0.5 cup diced zucchini
2 small plum tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup liquid egg substitute
0.5 cup 1-percent cottage cheese
0.25 cup fat-free evaporated milk
0.75 oz (21 g) shredded low-fat monterey jack cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler.
Spray a 10-inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
Heat the skillet over medium-low heat until hot.
Melt the margarine in the skillet.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini, and cook until the vegetables are lightly browned, for 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, basil, and black pepper.
Increase the heat to medium and cook until the flavors blend, for 3 minutes more, then remove from heat.
Combine the egg substitute, cottage cheese, and milk in a blender, and process until smooth.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the bottom is set but the top is still slightly runny, about 5 minutes.
Place the skillet under the broiler and cook until the top is set, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Sprinkle with cheese and cook until the cheese melts, for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Remove from the oven and serve.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier frittata.
Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are lightly browned to bring out their natural flavors.

- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the frittata from sticking.

- Be careful not to overcook the frittata, as it can become dry and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Frittata can be served hot or cold and pairs well with a side salad or fresh fruit.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful frittata is to cook it low and slow to ensure that the eggs are cooked through without becoming dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have liquid egg substitute, you can use whole eggs instead. You can also use different types of cheese or vegetables based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and egg mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the frittata.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the frittata on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cheesy Frittata pairs well with a crisp white wine or a glass of orange juice for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover frittata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheesy Frittata contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheesy Frittata contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheesy Frittata contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheesy Frittata contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheesy Frittata is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.

Alergens

Cheesy Frittata contains eggs and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Cheesy Frittata is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cheesy Frittata is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With a combination of eggs, vegetables, and cheese, this frittata is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished cleaning out my old recipe box that I had tucked away in the back of my pantry. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and torn scraps of paper, I stumbled upon a handwritten recipe for Cheesy Frittata that I had jotted down years ago.

I remember the day I first tasted a frittata like it was yesterday. It was during a trip to Italy with my husband, back when we were young and carefree. We had wandered into a quaint little trattoria in Florence, and the aroma of eggs, cheese, and fresh herbs wafted through the air. I ordered a slice of frittata, and with the first bite, I was hooked. The creamy texture, the melty cheese, the savory flavor - it was a revelation.

When we returned home from our trip, I was determined to recreate that frittata in my own kitchen. I scoured cookbooks, asked friends for their recipes, and experimented with different ingredients and techniques. But none of them quite captured the magic of that frittata from Florence.

And then, one day, I stumbled upon a small, family-run deli in the heart of our town. The owner, an elderly Italian woman named Nonna Maria, took me under her wing and taught me the secrets of her kitchen. She showed me how to whisk the eggs just so, how to season with a delicate touch, how to fold in the cheese at just the right moment.

It was during one of our afternoons together, as we stood side by side in her cozy kitchen, that Nonna Maria shared her recipe for Cheesy Frittata with me. She handed me a faded index card with her elegant script scrawled across it, and I knew that this was the recipe I had been searching for all along.

The ingredients were simple - eggs, cheese, herbs, and a few vegetables for color and texture. But the key, Nonna Maria explained, was in the technique. She showed me how to sauté the vegetables until they were tender and caramelized, how to beat the eggs until they were light and fluffy, how to gently fold in the cheese so that it melted into creamy pockets of goodness.

As we sat down to enjoy our frittata that day, I knew that I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made that Cheesy Frittata countless times for friends and family, for special occasions and lazy Sunday brunches. Each time, it brings back memories of that sunny afternoon in Nonna Maria's kitchen, of the laughter and camaraderie we shared as we cooked together.

And now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that it will bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. Remember, cooking is not just about following a set of instructions - it's about love, and tradition, and the memories we create together in the kitchen.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and whisk those eggs with gusto. And as you savor that first bite of Cheesy Frittata, think of me, and of Nonna Maria, and of all the cooks who have come before us, passing down the secrets of their kitchens from one generation to the next. And know that with every bite, you are creating a new memory, a new tradition, a new story to share with those you love. Buon appetito!