the world of frittatas

what is a frittata?

Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish, similar to an omelette, crustless quiche, or scrambled eggs, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

The Italian word frittata derives from friggere and roughly means 'fried'. This was originally a general term for cooking eggs in a frying pan (or skillet in the US), anywhere on the spectrum from fried egg, through conventional omelette, to an Italian version of the Spanish omelette, made with fried potato. Outside Italy, frittata was seen as equivalent to "omelette" until at least the mid-1950s.

a brief history of frittatas

The origin of frittata can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a dish similar to frittata was made with eggs and other ingredients such as cheese and vegetables. Over time, the dish evolved and became a staple in the cuisine of Naples, where it was traditionally served as a simple dish made with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.

Frittata quickly gained popularity in Italy and beyond, and today it is a popular dish in many countries around the world, including the United States, where it has been adopted as a classic brunch dish.

Some sources suggest that it might have arrived in Italy from ancient Persia. That said, most Mediterranean countries have a similar omelet-like dish; in Spain, there’s tortilla, while in modern Persian cuisine there’s kuku, an egg-based dish with herbs.

It’s an amazing dish, ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose how many ingredients you want to use, including any leftovers from a previous meal you’d like to utilize. Another thing that takes the stress out of cooking is that frittata is delicious both warm and cold.

what is the difference between a frittata and an omelette?

While frittata is similar to an omelet and nearly the same ingredients can be used for both, there are some notable differences between the two. Most omelette recipes use eggs and milk, whisked together in a bowl. Any additional ingredients are added afterwards. Frittata, on the other hand, can be cooked without milk. Many recipes use a heavy cream to make the frittata puffier. The eggs and cream are whisked in a bowl until light and fluffy.

Another major difference is in the way the additional ingredients are added. When making an omelette, any extra ingredients are folded inside to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked. When you make a frittata, you add the additional vegetables and/or meat directly into the egg.

To make a frittata, start by preparing the vegetables you will be including in it. Many of the vegetables would need to be pre-cooked, as they take longer to prepare than eggs. Onions, broccoli, peppers, and zucchini may require pre-cooking, for example. Then, whisk together eggs, cream, and the seasoning (salt, pepper, and any spices you want to include) in a bowl. When fluffy, pour it out onto a pan or skillet. Add the chopped and pre-cooked vegetables and the cheese.

Some recipes, especially those using quickly melting cheese, may be cooked on the stovetop entirely. All you have to do is flip the frittata once it’s nearly ready on one side. Often, however, you would wait until the edges of the frittata are set, and then transfer the skillet into an oven for several minutes. When it is fully cooked, take it out, sprinkle with cheese or fresh herbs on top, and serve.

basic frittata tips

There are several things to consider if you want to cook a delicious, mouth-watering frittata every time.

Egg-to-vegetable ratio is important when preparing frittata. If you’re using juicy tomatoes, make sure you use enough eggs. Otherwise, your frittata may become too thin and take longer to cook.

Great vegetables for frittata include: broccoli, mushrooms, onions, asparagus, zucchini, spinach, peppers, cauliflower, and green beans. Cherry tomatoes are also a good idea, because you can put them whole into the dish and spare yourself the trouble of chopping them. Don’t forget herbs, as well! It’s the perfect opportunity to use any leftover fresh basil or cilantro.

Mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta can all be used as toppings. They will provide the perfect smooth taste to make your frittata even more enjoyable.

videos on frittatas

How to Make a Frittata

This easy Frittata recipe comes together in a flash! I think it’s the best frittata recipe as it’s packed with colorful vegetables and made in just one skillet. Not just for breakfast, enjoy this delicious egg frittata any time of the day!

Bacon, Pea & Goat's Cheese Frittata | Gordon Ramsay

This fritatta recipe fuses a range of flavours. A great alternative to your average omelette. A breakfast dish that's simple to make and perfect for kicking off the weekend in style.

What Makes A PERFECT Frittata? | Chef Jean-Pierre

Hello There Friends, This is indeed one of my favorite recipe to make. I make a Frittata at least one or twice a month for the past 20 years! I wanted to share the recipe with you! Check out the video and find out the secrets behind making the Perfect Frittata!

the spanish tortilla

The Spanish omelette or Spanish tortilla is a traditional dish from Spain. It is celebrated as one of the most popular dishes of the Spanish cuisine. It is an omelette made with eggs and potatoes, usually including onion. It is often served at room temperature as a tapa.

It is commonly known in Spanish-speaking countries as tortilla de patatas, tortilla de papas, or tortilla española.

According to legend, during the siege of Bilbao, Carlist general Tomás de Zumalacárregui invented the "tortilla de patatas" as an easy, fast and nutritious dish to satisfy the scarcities of the Carlist army. Although it remains unknown whether this is true, it appears the tortilla started to spread during the early Carlist Wars.

Another tale is that the recipe was learnt by Spanish prisoners captured after the Battle of Montes Claros during the Portuguese Restoration War in 1665. After the Portuguese victory, more than 6,000 Spanish soldiers were kept in captivity for 3 years until the 1668 Treaty of Lisbon was signed. Upon their release, these prisoners brought part of the culture of Alentejo to Spain, including many recipes, which featured a potato egg pie that evolved into the modern version of "tortilla".

Tortilla de Patatas | Secrets of Spanish Cooking | Chef José Andrés

Have you ever tried the famous Spanish omelet, or as we call it in Spain, tortilla de patatas? This dish is for tapas — not tacos people! It's an omelet of eggs, gently fried potatoes, and olive oil-poached onions...what's not to like?? Tortilla is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack, making it one of the most versatile dishes on the planet.

Inspired by one of the greatest tortillas in the world, at Casa Dani in Madrid, I crafted our recipe with my friend and fellow Spaniard, Chef Nicolás López, so that you can enjoy the same flavors as we do when we go to Spain. Watch this video now to learn the secrets to perfecting a tortilla and visit Jaleo, Spanish Diner, or Mercado Little Spain to try ours for yourself.

in conclusion

If you love omelettes, you will love frittata, too. This egg dish is similar to an omelet, but can be made with numerous additional ingredients, allowing you to choose how filling you want it to be. There are vegetarian frittata recipes, as well as meat and fish varieties. Easy to make and delicious, it’s the ultimate quick, home-cooked meal.

Page updated

Report abuse