Meals On Winthrop: zucchini + proscuitto frittata for two

Sunday, March 11, 2012

zucchini + proscuitto frittata for two

frittata's are lovely for two
and even better for guests!

I can't imagine why, but frittatas call to me in spring. Maybe it is the bright yellow 'eggy-ness' or the flecks of new veggies but I love to make them as the winter starts to thaw. Frittatas are the Italian version of the French omelette. In my mind, this Italian staple is less intimidating than its French cousin and better suited to entertaining. They can be made in advance with a simple (not fussy) technique and served to your group, large or small, at room temperature.

Today, I made a small one with my 8" non-stick fry pan* for Jeff and me to share. The quantities are a good beginning for changing up the veggies and cheese to suit the contents of your refrigerator. Frittatas are a wonderful way to use up leftover veggies from the night before - think potatoes and squash, mushrooms and sausage, peppers and onions, etc.

Zucchini + Proscuitto Frittata (per due)
adapted from Italian Cooking for Beginners by Helene Siegel

Ingredients:

1 small to medium zucchini
3 thin slices of proscuitto
4 jumbo eggs (or 5 large)
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese (+ extra for garnish)
1 heaping T of chopped fresh parsley (+ extra for garnish)
freshly ground pepper
1/2 T butter, unsalted
evoo

* skillet needs to have an ovenproof handle

Tip: You can make this in a larger fry pan for a group by doubling the ingredients. Leftovers keep in the fridg and make a lovely lunch with a mixed green salad or a handful of arugula dressed with lemon juice.

Directions:

1. Trim the ends from your zucchini and coarsely grate. I used a box grater but you can also use your food processor. Slice the proscuitto into strips about 1" x 1/8". (See pictures for a guide. This helps for even distribution in your dish so that each bite has a little of the salty goodness!)

2. Beat the eggs in a bowl with a fork or whisk. Incorporate the zucchini, proscuitto, cheese and parsley. Season with pepper to taste - you won't need to add salt to this dish as the cheese and meat bring plenty!

3. Preheat the broiler in your oven and adjust the top rack (if needed) to rest about 6" below the heat source. Warm your skillet* over medium-high heat; add the butter and a drizzle of evoo. Swirl to coat the bottom.

4. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and give it one minute to set the bottom. (I did this for 2 minutes because I like a more crisp crust on my frittata - but then I also prefer my bacon almost burnt. Try the one minute version your first time and adjust to your taste as you perfect your frittata making!)

5. Then lower the heat to medium-low and cook till the edges set but the center is still a bit runny - this took about 6 minutes in my small pan. Give it 10-14 in a medium (10"?) skillet with an 8-egg mixture.

6. Just before I put the pan in the oven, I sprinkle about a T of parmesan cheese on top - more crispy crust! Now slide it in, under the broiler. Leave it for 1-2 minutes, until the top puffs up a bit and is golden brown.

7. Remove and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. If you cut into it sooner, a little egg might run out, not critical. To ease with removal, run a heatproof spatula around the edge to help loosen. Invert onto a plate, cut into wedges and serve.

Enjoy!