Frittata with Zucchini and Basil
You no doubt have seen the previous posts from Deborah and Doug about Frittate. It’s my turn now, and my selection was a Frittata with Zucchini and Basil. I make frittate quite often, and also use zucchini in mine a lot. Although the basis of Marcella’s recipe is similar to what I use, there are so differences that make her recipe much better-much creamier and richer-tasting.
First, for this dish you slowly saute sliced onions in olive oil very slowly until they are almost carmelized and a rich brown color. This is one of the big differences in flavor for me, because I love onions cooked this way. You next slice zucchini and add to the onions, and cook again until the zucchini is light brown. You then make the frittata by mixing together eggs, parmigiano-reggiano, the vegetable mixture and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Turn into a skillet, and cook over low heat and cook until the eggs are set but the surface is still runny. You then place the skillet under a broiler to finish cooking the top of the eggs.
This can be served hot or at room temperature. Served with a salad and some fruit, this makes a nice light dinner or lunch. I saved my leftovers and had them for breakfast the next morning.
My dear Cindy, you have spotted the procedure that generates the flavor characteristic of the Italian cooking of vegetables, the caramelizing of the onions, the deep browning of the vegetables. It is the step that makes not only vegetable frittatas tastier, but also risottos, pasta sauces, soups. We call it insaporire, making tasty. Many cooks don’t take enough time to perform it and compensate for the blandness of the dish by spicing it up. The Italian method, which you correctly followed, extracts flavor naturally, through careful cooking. It is the reason that Italian cooks make a far more limited use of herbs and spices than people believe. Thank you once again for doing it right.
Beautiful, Cindy. I agree with you about the difference in flavor when you cook the vegetables as Marcella instructs..so much richer.
I am also happy to see that we are kindred spirits when it comes to leftovers for breakfast! 😀
Cindy, this looks beautiful. This is a favorite of ours.
I am glad you have the patience to coax that flavor out of the onions. Browning reactions are critical, but so many rush through the steps. Their loss.
When the garden gives you zucchini and basil, make this recipe (first time I have made a frittata) and WOW! Even my non zucchini eating child loved it. The slow (and I mean slow) cooking of the onion brings out so much flavor. Thanks for your step by step instructions Marcella. You never fail to deliver.
Marcella is right, Cindy – great job!