Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme

Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. The combination of sweet orange bell peppers, savory onions, and aromatic thyme creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Frittatas have been a popular dish in Italian cuisine for centuries. They are similar to omelettes, but instead of folding the eggs over the filling, everything is mixed together and cooked in a skillet. This particular recipe adds a twist with the addition of orange bell peppers and fresh thyme, giving it a unique and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

6 eggs
2 tbsp milk
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.75 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
0.25 onion, finely chopped
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped fine
1 tbsp minced fresh thyme
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

How to prepare

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and cheese. Stir in salt and pepper, then set aside.
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with olive oil.
Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the pepper is soft.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
Reduce the heat to low and cook until the eggs are firm around the edges.
Lift the edges of the eggs with a spatula and tilt the pan to let the uncooked eggs run under the cooked eggs.
Continue cooking until the eggs are almost set on top, about 5 minutes more.
Invert a plate on top of the pan.
Hold the plate and pan firmly together with pot holders, then invert the frittata onto the plate.
Carefully slip the frittata, cooked side up, back into the pan.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Invert a serving plate over the pan, then invert the frittata onto the plate as before.
Sprinkle with thyme.
Serve hot or at room temperature.
Cut into wedges and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs and cheeses to create your own unique frittata.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions and bell peppers until they are soft and translucent before adding the egg mixture. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and tender.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the frittata from sticking to the pan.

- Be sure to tilt the pan and lift the edges of the eggs while cooking to allow the uncooked eggs to run underneath and cook evenly.

- Don't overcook the frittata - it should be firm around the edges but slightly soft in the middle when you remove it from the heat.

Serving Suggestions

This frittata is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful frittata is to cook it low and slow. This will ensure that the eggs are cooked evenly and prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. You can also substitute other types of bell peppers for the orange bell pepper, such as red or yellow.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make this frittata ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the frittata with some fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This frittata pairs well with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or a glass of orange juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the frittata until heated through, or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this frittata contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Orange Pepper Frittata contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this frittata contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this frittata contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This frittata is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (milk and cheese), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this Orange Pepper Frittata is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her culinary prowess, and she had promised to teach me a new recipe that she had recently discovered.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on fragrant herbal tea, Maria brought out a worn and stained recipe card from her collection. She explained that she had come across this recipe during her travels to Italy, where she had spent a summer studying the art of Italian cuisine. The recipe was a simple yet elegant dish that featured the vibrant flavors of orange peppers and fresh thyme, perfectly complemented by the richness of eggs and cheese.

Maria patiently walked me through the steps of preparing the frittata, demonstrating how to sauté the peppers until they were tender and sweet, how to whisk the eggs and season them with a sprinkling of fresh thyme, and how to carefully fold in the vegetables and cheese to create a light and fluffy texture. As the frittata baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Maria shared stories of her time in Italy and the wonderful people she had met along the way.

When the frittata emerged from the oven, golden and puffed, Maria sliced it into generous wedges and served it on delicate china plates with a side of mixed greens dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The first bite was a revelation – the sweetness of the peppers mingled with the earthy thyme, the eggs were creamy and rich, and the cheese added a savory depth that tied it all together perfectly.

From that moment on, Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, brunches with friends, and lazy Sunday mornings when I wanted to treat myself to a special breakfast. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Maria and the shared moments we had spent in her sunlit kitchen, laughing and talking as we savored each delicious bite.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in a handful of chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to give it my own personal touch. But the essence of the dish – the sweet peppers, the fragrant thyme, the creamy eggs – remains unchanged, a testament to the enduring power of a simple and satisfying recipe.

As I sit here, penning this story and looking out at the garden where I grow my own thyme and peppers, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of that recipe and the memories it holds. It is a reminder of the joy that can be found in sharing a meal with loved ones, of the beauty of simple ingredients prepared with care and love, and of the endless possibilities that lie within a humble recipe card, waiting to be discovered and cherished for generations to come. And so, I pass on this recipe for Orange Pepper Frittata with Fresh Thyme to you, dear reader, in the hopes that it will bring you as much joy and deliciousness as it has brought me. Bon appétit!