Potato and Vegetable Frittata: A Mediterranean Delight

I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for a Potato and Vegetable Frittata, a dish that perfectly embodies the warmth and comfort of Mediterranean cuisine. This hearty and flavorful frittata has its roots in Italian culinary tradition, where it was originally created as a clever way to use up leftover vegetables and potatoes. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved staple across the Mediterranean region and beyond.

The beauty of this frittata lies in its versatility and simplicity. It’s a perfect balance of crispy potatoes, colorful vegetables, and a light, fluffy egg mixture that comes together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this frittata is sure to impress with its rustic charm and complex flavors.

As we delve into this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned over years of perfecting this dish. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create a frittata that’s worthy of a Sicilian grandmother’s approval.

Ingredients

For this delectable Potato and Vegetable Frittata, you’ll need:

  • 3 large potatoes (25 oz / 750 g), peeled and sliced
  • 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 2 red peppers, finely chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup (250 ml) water
  • 1 1/4 cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus extra for vegetables
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

I always start by giving the potato slices a good soak. This crucial step removes excess starch, ensuring a crispy texture in the final dish. Here’s how:

  1. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. Place the slices in a large bowl of cold water.
  3. Let them soak for 20 minutes.
  4. After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

2. Preheat the Oven

While the potatoes are soaking, I preheat the oven to 380°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature when we’re ready to bake our frittata.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Now, let’s prepare our colorful vegetable medley:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and finely chopped red peppers to the skillet.
  3. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
  4. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.
  5. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Batter

The batter is what brings all our ingredients together. Here’s how I make it:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, crack the 3 eggs and whisk them lightly.
  2. Add 1 cup of water, 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.
  4. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
  5. Fold in the sautéed vegetables and finely chopped green onions, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Proper preparation of the baking sheet is key to achieving that perfect crispy bottom:

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Brush the parchment paper generously with olive oil. This will help create that irresistible golden crust on the potatoes.

6. Assemble the Frittata

Now comes the fun part – putting it all together:

  1. Arrange the potato slices in a single, overlapping layer on the prepared baking sheet. Think of it as creating a potato “crust” for your frittata.
  2. Carefully pour the vegetable-laden batter over the potato slices, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  3. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter, making sure all the potato slices are covered.

7. Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent over-browning.

8. Serve and Garnish

  1. Once baked, remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Cut into squares or wedges, depending on your preference.
  3. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Nutrition Information

This Potato and Vegetable Frittata serves 6-8 people. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings):

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 8g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Potato and Vegetable Frittata is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and traditions. The crispy potato base, perfectly cooked vegetables, and fluffy egg mixture come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, this frittata is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Remember, the key to a perfect frittata lies in the details – from soaking the potatoes to achieve that ideal crispiness, to carefully layering the ingredients for a beautiful presentation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or herbs to make this recipe your own. The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to suit your tastes or make use of whatever vegetables you have on hand.

As you savor each bite of this delightful frittata, you’ll be transported to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace, where good food and good company go hand in hand. So gather your loved ones, pour a glass of crisp white wine, and enjoy this rustic, flavorful creation. Buon appetito!