Vegetable Frittata

Vegetable Frittata Recipe | Delicious New England Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: New England | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable Frittata is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich eggs, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

History

Frittata is an Italian dish that is similar to an omelette or crustless quiche. It is typically made with eggs and a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and cheeses. The word "frittata" comes from the Italian verb "friggere," which means "to fry." This dish has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries and has since become popular in many other countries around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup of broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup of cooked cubed potato
4 eggs
0.33 cup of milk or half and half
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Spray a 10-inch skillet with cooking spray.
Place the skillet over medium heat and add the vegetables.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Pour the egg mixture into the skillet over the cooked vegetables.
Sprinkle the mixture with the cheese.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes until the center is set.
Remove the skillet from the heat, cut the cooked mixture into wedges, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Experiment with different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to ensure they are not too crunchy in the final dish.

- Whisk the eggs well to incorporate air and create a light and fluffy texture.

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

- Feel free to customize the vegetables and cheese in this recipe to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender before adding the egg mixture.

- Cover the skillet to help the frittata cook evenly and set in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use milk or cream instead of half and half.

- Swap out the cheddar cheese for another type of cheese such as mozzarella or Swiss.

Make Ahead Tips

Vegetable Frittata can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the frittata with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Vegetable Frittata with a side of mixed greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete 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 warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vegetable Frittata contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vegetable Frittata contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vegetable Frittata contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetable Frittata is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

Vegetable Frittata is a versatile and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. Packed with vegetables, eggs, and cheese, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy it on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Vegetable Frittata. It was during a trip to Italy with my husband many years ago. We were exploring the beautiful countryside, indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, and soaking up the rich culture and history of the region.

One evening, we were invited to dine at a local trattoria in a small village nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The owner of the restaurant, a warm and welcoming woman named Sofia, greeted us with a smile and led us to a cozy table by the window. As we perused the menu, Sofia recommended her speciality - Vegetable Frittata.

I had never tried frittata before, but the description of a fluffy egg dish filled with sautéed vegetables and herbs sounded irresistible. I eagerly placed my order, and within minutes, a steaming hot frittata was placed in front of me. The first bite was a revelation - the eggs were perfectly cooked, the vegetables were tender and flavorful, and the whole dish was infused with the essence of the Italian countryside.

I couldn't get enough of Sofia's Vegetable Frittata. I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. As we finished our meal, she sat down at our table and walked me through the steps of making the frittata. I scribbled down notes in my travel journal, determined to recreate this delicious dish back home.

When we returned from our trip, I wasted no time in trying out Sofia's recipe for Vegetable Frittata. I gathered fresh eggs from our backyard chickens, chopped up an assortment of colorful vegetables from our garden, and sprinkled in fragrant herbs from my collection. As the frittata cooked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasting vegetables and eggs.

When I finally pulled the frittata out of the oven, it looked just like Sofia's - golden brown and puffy, with bits of vegetables peeking out from the surface. I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite brought me right back to that cozy trattoria in Tuscany, with the taste of Italy dancing on my tongue.

Over the years, I've made Sofia's Vegetable Frittata countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I've added different vegetables, experimented with various herbs and spices, and even tried incorporating different types of cheese. Each variation has been a delicious adventure, as I've discovered new flavor combinations and textures to delight the palate.

One of my favorite memories of making Vegetable Frittata was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were curious about what I was cooking and eagerly offered to help chop vegetables and whisk eggs. As we worked together in the kitchen, I shared stories of my travels and the origins of the frittata recipe. The children listened intently, their eyes wide with wonder at the thought of exotic places and delicious dishes.

When the frittata was finally ready, we all sat down at the table to enjoy our creation. The kids dug in with gusto, savoring each bite and exclaiming over the flavors and textures. I watched with joy as they shared in the pleasure of good food and good company, carrying on the tradition of passing down recipes and memories from generation to generation.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Sofia's Vegetable Frittata, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people that have enriched my life. The recipe for Vegetable Frittata is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions - it is a reminder of the beauty and joy that can be found in simple pleasures, shared with loved ones around a table filled with delicious food.

And so, I will continue to make Vegetable Frittata for years to come, not only as a tribute to Sofia and the flavors of Italy, but as a celebration of the love and connection that food can bring into our lives. Each time I take a bite of that fluffy, flavorful frittata, I am transported back to that magical evening in Tuscany, surrounded by laughter, friendship, and the timeless joy of a good meal shared with those we hold dear.