Frittatas Are Italian Omelets

Frittatas are Italian omelets. The perfect “Meatless Monday” meal. In addition to tasting delicious, they are quick and easy to make!

They differ from their French cousins in several ways:

• The fillings are combined with the eggs before cooking.
• The eggs are cooked without stirring.
• Frittatas are served cut into halves or wedges.

Two methods for cooking frittatas:

1. Pour the egg and filling into a pan, cook while lifting the sides so that the  uncooked portions can flow underneath, and broil until the top is set and browned, about 4 minutes. This method is my favorite!
2. Pour the eggs and fillings into the pan, stir once, cook the eggs undisturbed until the top is just set, place a heat proof plate on top of the pan, invert the plate/pan, cook on the other side, cook for a couple of minutes, invert the eggs one more time onto a serving plate.
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   Spinach Frittata

   Frittatas are a perfect "Meatless Monday" meal. They are quick and easy to make. The ingredients are simple staples to keep on hand. No rush to the grocery store is required. A bonus for Monday meal planning!

   Prep Time 30 minutes

   Cook Time 5 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
   • 1 T. butter
   • 1 small onion, diced
   • 1 small tomato, diced
   • 1/2 bag frozen spinach, defrosted and strained of all moisture
   • 2 garlic pods, finely minced
   • 8 large eggs
   • 2 T. water
   • 1/4 cup basil, finely julienned
   • 2 T. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
   • salt and pepper to taste
   • 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

   Garnish: fresh basil

   Instructions

   1. In a large sauté pan, set over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Just as it begins to sizzle, add the onions, tomatoes, and spinach. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic in the last minute of cooking.

   2. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a small mixing bowl, add the water, basil, Parmesan cheese, and vegetable mixture.

   3. Heat a well-seasoned, ovenproof 9" skillet over medium heat until it's quite hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.

   4. Add the egg mixture. Cook, occasionally lifting the sides so the uncooked portion can flow underneath. Cooking time will be about 5 to 8 minutes or until the edges are set and the bottom is golden.

   5. Place the skillet about 6 inches from the boiler element. Broil for until the top is set and golden, about 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely!

   6. Slice into wedges. Place on serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil.

   Frittatas are Italian Omelets!