As I prepare this Spanish Potato and Spinach Frittata, I’m transported to the sun-drenched countryside of Spain, where simple, hearty meals reign supreme. This dish, known as “tortilla española” in its homeland, has been a staple of Spanish cuisine for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century when it became a popular, affordable meal during times of hardship. Today, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Spanish cooks who could create something so delicious from such humble ingredients.
What I love about this frittata is its versatility. It’s equally at home as a satisfying breakfast, a light lunch, or even as tapas for an evening gathering with friends. The combination of tender potatoes, vibrant spinach, and melty cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Frittata:
- 450g (16 oz) potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 250g (8.8 oz) spinach
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- 150g (5.3 oz) hard cheese (mozzarella or any cheese of your choice), grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: I start by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes. The thickness of the slices is crucial – too thick and they won’t cook evenly, too thin and they might fall apart. I aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. Then, I finely chop the onion. The fine chop ensures it will cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the frittata.
- Cook the Potatoes and Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet (I prefer cast iron for its heat retention), I heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, I add the sliced potatoes and chopped onion. I cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes. The key here is to achieve tender potatoes with a light golden color. This process not only cooks the vegetables but also infuses them with a rich, olive oil flavor that’s quintessentially Mediterranean.
- Preheat the Oven: While the potatoes and onions are cooking, I preheat my oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s hot and ready when we need it.
- Wilt the Spinach: Once the potatoes are tender, I add the spinach to the skillet. I cook it for just 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until it wilts. The spinach adds a beautiful pop of color and a wealth of nutrients to our frittata.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, sour cream, garlic powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper. The sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and contributes to a fluffy texture, while the baking powder helps the frittata rise slightly, making it even more light and airy.
- Combine Everything: I pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the skillet, stirring gently to ensure even distribution. This is where the magic happens – the eggs begin to set around the warm vegetables, creating pockets of flavor throughout the frittata.
- Add the Cheese: I sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. While traditional Spanish tortillas don’t typically include cheese, I find it adds a delicious richness and helps to bind the frittata together.
- Bake the Frittata: I transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. I keep a close eye on it, looking for the eggs to be fully set and the cheese to become melted and golden brown on top. The aroma that fills the kitchen at this point is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Cool and Slice: After removing the frittata from the oven, I let it cool for a few minutes. This brief resting period allows the eggs to finish setting and makes the frittata easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy: I serve the frittata warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges. It’s delicious on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 13g
Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Tips for the Perfect Spanish Potato and Spinach Frittata
- Potato Selection: I prefer using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss for this recipe. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy texture to the frittata.
- Even Slicing: For uniform cooking, try to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving consistent thickness.
- Non-Stick Skillet: If you don’t have a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, a non-stick oven-safe skillet works well too. It ensures easy release of the frittata when serving.
- Cheese Variations: While I love the mild flavor of mozzarella in this dish, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Manchego would be a fantastic Spanish option, or you could try a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Add-Ins: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, or even some chorizo for a meatier version.
- Flipping Technique: For a traditional Spanish tortilla, you would flip it halfway through cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, place a plate over the skillet, invert the frittata onto the plate, then slide it back into the skillet to cook the other side.
- Serving Suggestions: In Spain, tortilla is often served as tapas, cut into small squares. It’s also delicious served with alioli (garlic mayonnaise) or a simple tomato sauce.
This Spanish Potato and Spinach Frittata is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The tender potatoes, nutrient-rich spinach, and golden cheese crust make every bite a delight. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a light dinner, or as part of a tapas spread, this frittata is sure to impress.
What I love most about this dish is its ability to transport you to the sunny terraces of Spain with just one bite. It’s a testament to the power of food to evoke memories, create experiences, and bring people together. So gather your loved ones, pour a glass of Spanish wine, and savor this delicious piece of culinary heritage. ¡Buen provecho!
