Southwestern Frittata

Vegetarian Southwestern Frittata Recipe with Tortillas and Green Chiles

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Southwestern Frittata is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The exact origins of the Southwestern Frittata are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Frittatas are a popular dish in Italian cuisine, and this Southwestern twist adds a spicy and flavorful kick to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

8 whole-wheat tortillas
7 oz (198 g) diced green chiles
2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped onions
3 cloves minced garlic
4 medium tomatoes, diced
10 beaten eggs
0.75 cup milk
0.25 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
paprika (optional)
cooking spray

How to prepare

Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish.
In a bowl, mix together the onion, garlic, and cheeses.
In another bowl, mix together the chiles and chopped tomatoes.
Cut or tear the tortillas into 1-inch strips.
Spread one-third of the chili and tomato mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
Top with one-third of the tortilla strips.
Cover with one-third of the cheese mixture.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together with the cumin, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish.
Sprinkle with paprika.
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Remove the foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier frittata.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Top the frittata with sliced green onions and cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as bell peppers, black beans, or avocado.

- For a spicier frittata, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the egg mixture.

- Make sure to let the frittata cool slightly before slicing and serving to allow it to set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Southwestern Frittata with a side of salsa, sour cream, and avocado for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking and layering are the key cooking techniques for this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute any type of cheese for the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Southwestern Frittata the night before and refrigerate it overnight before baking in the morning.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the frittata with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of paprika for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Southwestern Frittata with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southwestern Frittata contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Frittata contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Frittata contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Frittata contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and eggs.

Summary

Southwestern Frittata is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southwestern Frittata is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With a mix of spicy chiles, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, this frittata is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Southwestern Frittata. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she always had a way of making the most delicious dishes with the simplest ingredients.

On this particular day, Maria invited me over for brunch, and I was excited to see what she had in store for me. As soon as I walked into her cozy adobe home, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of roasted peppers and spices. Maria was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and whisking eggs with a sense of purpose.

"Welcome, dear friend!" she exclaimed, giving me a warm hug. "I'm making a Southwestern Frittata for us to enjoy today. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I watched intently as Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that to the mixture. The colors and textures of the ingredients were a feast for the eyes, and I knew that this frittata was going to be something special.

As the frittata baked in the oven, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She told me that her grandmother had learned how to make it from a Native American woman who lived in the nearby pueblo. The woman had shown her grandmother how to use local ingredients like corn, beans, and chilies to create a dish that was both flavorful and nutritious.

Maria's grandmother had passed the recipe down to her mother, who in turn had passed it down to Maria. Now, Maria was sharing it with me, and I felt honored to be a part of this culinary tradition.

Finally, the frittata was ready, and Maria brought it out of the oven. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in. We sat down at the table and Maria served us each a generous slice of the frittata, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado.

The first bite was a revelation. The flavors of the roasted peppers and spices danced on my tongue, and the creamy eggs melted in my mouth. The Southwestern Frittata was a perfect balance of savory and spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the corn.

As we enjoyed our meal, Maria and I talked about the importance of preserving family recipes and passing them down to future generations. She told me that food was more than just sustenance – it was a way to connect with our roots and honor the traditions of our ancestors.

After brunch, Maria presented me with a handwritten copy of the recipe for the Southwestern Frittata. She urged me to make it for my own family and friends, so that the tradition could continue to thrive.

I left Maria's house that day feeling inspired and grateful for the experience. The Southwestern Frittata had not only satisfied my hunger, but it had also nourished my soul. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Since that day, I have made the Southwestern Frittata many times for my loved ones. Each time I prepare it, I think of Maria and the rich culinary heritage that she shared with me. The recipe may have originated in Santa Fe, but now it has a special place in my own family's cookbook, ready to be passed down to future generations.

And so, the story of the Southwestern Frittata continues to unfold, connecting us all through the magic of food and friendship.