This frittata recipe was used so much by Ralph, and he varied the recipe depending on what vegetables he had available. However, the asparagus is truly the highlight for the mix of flavors.
Measurements are approximate, and can be varied to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/3- 1/2 lbs asparagus
- 2 small zucchini, chopped fine
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped very small
- 2/3 garlic cloves, minced
- olive oil several sprigs of Italian parsley, chopped
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 5-6 eggs or equivalent of 8 egg substitute
- 4-5 measures of water using 1/2 of an eggshell (an interesting way to measure!)
- 3-4 tablespoons grated Romano or Parmigiano cheese
- 6-8 mushrooms, chopped small, (preferably shitake, if available)
- salt-pepper
First, steam asparagus 6-7 minutes While they are steaming, begin by sauteing zucchini and red bell peppers in olive oil, then add mushrooms. While they are sauteing, in small bowl, beat eggs, add mint, parsley, cheese, several shakes of salt, pepper, stir well, set aside ( if using real eggs, don't forget to add eggs shells of water)
The asparagus removed from steamer can now be chopped fine, and added to the frying pan. Add garlic.Vegetables should saute for 6-8 minutes before you add egg mixture, turn heat to medium-low and allow to saute for approx. 7-9 minutes and frittata becomes firm. While it is sauteing, tilt frying pan to sides, allowing uncooked egg to flow to side of pan, and using spatula, lift edge of frittata to allow egg to flow under frittata.
When firm on top, place platter (which will fit just inside fry pan edge), place on top of frittata and invert, sliding uncooked side into fry pan and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, until cooked.( When you remove frittata, if frying pan appears dry, you may want to add a tablespoon more of oil to prevent it from sticking).
When cooled, take spatula and run around edge to insure it is loose enough to come out of pan, then, place platter on top of frittata, invert pan and frittata should fall onto serving platter to cool further, or serve it warm.
Options: all the vegetables are not necessary, if you don't have them. The asparagus adds a lot of flavor. The bell pepper can be done without, as well as the mushrooms. Ralph also added a few shakes of dried oregano to the egg mixture, but it is not essential.