This Tomato and Zucchini Frittata recipe is a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a light meal. Its savory blend of fresh vegetables, eggs, and Asiago cheese brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. This dish is not only delightful to the palate but also packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial to your health.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens, Asiago cheese might not be as readily available. This Italian cheese, known for its rich and nutty flavor, can be found in the dairy or specialty cheese sections of most supermarkets. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Ingredients for Tomato and Zucchini Frittata
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and zucchini, its flavor enhances the overall taste of the frittata.
Onion: Gives a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dish when sautéed.
Zucchini: Adds a soft texture and subtle flavor, blending perfectly with the other ingredients.
Eggs: The main component of any frittata, eggs bind all the ingredients together.
Egg whites: Used to increase the protein content without adding additional fats.
Asiago cheese: Adds a rich and sharp flavor to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Tomatoes: Adds a fresh and slightly acidic taste, balancing the richness of the eggs and cheese.
One reader, Homere Ratcliff says:
This tomato and zucchini frittata recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the texture is just right. It's a delightful dish that's easy to make and impresses everyone. I love how the tomatoes and zucchini complement each other. It's a must-try for any brunch or dinner gathering!
Techniques Required for Making a Frittata
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F: This step is essential to ensure the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the frittata.
How to cook onions until slightly golden: Cooking the onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes allows them to caramelize and develop a sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the frittata.
How to cook zucchini until the moisture dries up: By increasing the heat to medium-high and stirring occasionally, the zucchini will release its moisture and cook until it dries up, intensifying its flavor and preventing the frittata from becoming watery.
How to whisk eggs, egg whites, asiago, salt, and pepper: Whisking these ingredients together in a medium bowl ensures they are well combined, resulting in a flavorful and evenly textured frittata.
How to arrange tomatoes in an overlapping pattern on top: Placing the tomatoes in an overlapping pattern on top of the frittata adds an attractive visual element and ensures even distribution of the tomatoes throughout the dish.
How to cook the frittata in the oven until completely cooked: Baking the frittata for 16 to 18 minutes at 400 degrees F ensures that it is fully cooked and set, with a golden top and a tender, flavorful interior.
How To Make Tomato and Zucchini Frittata
Enjoy the harvests of summer with this recipe for tomato and zucchini frittata. The Asiago cheese helps create a scrumptious, savory breakfast fare.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tspolive oil
- 1medium onion,diced
- 1½cupszucchini,(7oz total), diced into matchsticks
- 5large eggs
- 2large egg whites
- ¼cupAsiago cheese,grated
- kosher salt and fresh pepper,to taste
- 2medium vine ripe tomatoes,(about 8oz), cored and thinly sliced crosswise
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in onion and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until slightly golden.
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Add zucchini, increase heat to medium-high, season with salt and pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the moisture dries up, stirring occasionally.
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In a medium bowl whisk eggs, egg whites, Asiago, salt and pepper.
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Pour the eggs into the skillet, making sure they cover all the vegetables. Arrange tomatoes in an overlapping pattern on top and season with salt and pepper.
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When the edges begin to set (about 2 minutes) move skillet to oven. Cook for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until frittata is completely cooked. Serve warm and cut into 4 pieces.
Nutrition
- Calories: 174.42kcal
- Fat: 10.81g
- Saturated Fat: 3.85g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.54g
- Carbohydrates: 5.20g
- Fiber: 1.06g
- Sugar: 2.75g
- Protein: 13.89g
- Cholesterol: 238.82mg
- Sodium: 383.79mg
- Calcium: 162.26mg
- Potassium: 289.82mg
- Iron: 1.47mg
- Vitamin A: 124.02µg
- Vitamin C: 10.36mg
Technique Tip for Making a Perfect Frittata
When whisking your eggs, make sure to do so vigorously until they are fully combined. This will ensure a smoother, more uniform frittata. Also, when arranging your tomatoes on top of the frittata, try to place them skin side up. This will help them retain their shape and color during the baking process, adding a visually appealing finish to your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Tomato and Zucchini Frittata
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan wonder: Use a large skillet or oven-safe pan to cook the frittata, reducing the number of dishes to clean up later.
Quick swap: Substitute pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep time.
Set a timer: Use a kitchen timer to keep track of cooking times and prevent overcooking the frittata.
Efficient slicing: Use a sharp knife to quickly and evenly slice the tomatoes for the frittata topping.
Streamline seasoning: Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl beforehand to easily add them to the dish at once.
Substitute Ingredients For Tomato and Zucchini Frittata Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and flavor profile to olive oil, making it a suitable substitute for sautéing and adding a rich, fruity flavor to the frittata.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the frittata.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor to zucchini, providing a vibrant color and a slightly sweeter taste to the frittata.
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing a similar protein-rich base for the frittata.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped into a foam and used as a vegan substitute for egg whites, adding lightness to the frittata.
asiago cheese - Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese has a similar nutty and savory flavor to asiago, adding a rich and salty taste to the frittata.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the frittata.
fresh pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to the frittata, replacing the heat and flavor of fresh pepper.
vine ripe tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for vine-ripe tomatoes, providing a sweet and juicy burst of flavor in the frittata.
Best Way to Present a Tomato and Zucchini Frittata
Elevate the frittata with a drizzle of balsamic glaze: Create a beautiful design on the plate with a carefully executed drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the frittata with a generous handful of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a burst of color and a refreshing herbal aroma.
Present on a bed of arugula: Arrange the frittata on a bed of vibrant, peppery arugula to add a layer of freshness and a contrasting texture to the dish.
Accompany with a side of sundried tomato pesto: Serve the frittata with a dollop of rich and flavorful sundried tomato pesto on the side, adding a burst of intense umami and a pop of color to the plate.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or borage, to add a visually stunning and delicate floral element to the presentation.
How To Store and Freeze a Tomato and Zucchini Frittata
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the tomato and zucchini frittata recipe:
- Let the frittata cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the frittata soggy.
- To store in the refrigerator:
- Place the cooled frittata in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the frittata in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds.
- To freeze the frittata:
- Wrap the cooled frittata tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped frittata in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, remove the frittata from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, reheat the frittata in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Tip: For easier storage and reheating, consider cutting the frittata into individual portions before wrapping and freezing. This way, you can easily reheat only the number of servings you need.
How To Reheat Frittata Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover frittata on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The foil will help prevent the top from burning while the inside warms up.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the frittata in the microwave. Cut the frittata into individual portions and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave and the size of the portions.
If you want to add a crispy texture to your leftover frittata, try reheating it in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the frittata portions and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a more adventurous approach, transform your leftover tomato and zucchini frittata into a delicious sandwich. Cut the frittata into square portions, place them between two slices of your favorite bread, and add some fresh greens and a spread of your choice (e.g., pesto, hummus, or mayonnaise). Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a skillet until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover frittata. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the frittata portions in the basket, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is perfect for those who want a quick and healthy reheating option.
Random Fact About Frittatas
The tomato and zucchini frittata is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your meals and is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to increase their vegetable intake. Frittatas are also an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables, making them a sustainable and budget-friendly meal option. Additionally, this dish is a good source of protein and can be customized with different types of cheese or additional vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful frittata any time of day!
Is Making a Frittata Economical for Home Cooking?
This tomato and zucchini frittata recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as zucchini and eggs, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of asiago cheese elevates the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. With an estimated total cost of approximately $10, this recipe is a great option for a family of four. The versatility of the frittata also makes it a practical and economical choice for any meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Frittata Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tomato and zucchini frittata recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various micronutrients like vitamin D, choline, and selenium
- Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium
- Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, vitamin C, and other antioxidants
- Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health
- Asiago cheese adds flavor and provides calcium and protein, but it is also a source of saturated fat and sodium
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety to decrease the saturated fat content
- Use more egg whites and fewer whole eggs to lower the cholesterol content while maintaining protein levels
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to eggs for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Consider adding other nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the overall nutritional value
- Use a non-stick skillet to minimize the amount of oil needed for cooking
Editor's Thoughts on This Frittata Recipe
This tomato and zucchini frittata recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh vegetables and asiago cheese creates a savory and satisfying dish. The cooking method ensures a perfect balance of tenderness and firmness in the frittata. The addition of vine ripe tomatoes adds a burst of freshness and color. Overall, this recipe is a great choice for a healthy and delicious meal.
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Why trust this Tomato and Zucchini Frittata Recipe:
This recipe is a testament to the culinary expertise of a seasoned chef, ensuring a delectable outcome. The use of fresh zucchini and tomatoes guarantees a burst of vibrant flavors, while the addition of asiago cheese elevates the dish to new heights. The methodical approach to cooking, from sautéing the onions to baking the frittata, promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on quality ingredients such as eggs and olive oil, this recipe embodies trustworthiness and culinary finesse.
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