Spicy Southwest Veggie Frittata Recipe - Forks and Folly (2024)

FAQs

Why is my frittata not fluffy? ›

Forgetting to add milk or cream.

Dairy, like milk or cream, is a crucial component of frittatas. This is the ingredient that gives frittatas their signature creamy, fluffy texture.

The solution is to partially cook the frittata on the stove. To prevent the bottom from burning on the stovetop, give the frittata a few stirs until you can see some large curds of egg and it starts to turn opaque, but it's still wet enough to flatten off the top.

A frittata is partially cooked in a skillet on the cooktop then finished in the oven. It also has a lower egg to dairy ratio making it closer to an open faced omelet than a pie. Quiche has a creamier, custard-like texture due to more dairy and is cooked entirely in the oven.

Summer pisto frittata

Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/gas 7. Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Whisk together and put to one side. Add the peas, broad beans and a good pinch of salt to a pestle and mortar, then pick in the mint leaves and bash to a rough paste.

Adding liquid: To make the scrambled eggs extra creamy, restaurants often beat in a bit of water or milk. The general ratio is about 1 tablespoon of liquid per egg. This addition of liquid helps to create a lighter and fluffier texture [1].

Go for high moisture cheeses

According to Cheese Science, high moisture cheeses like mozzarella and smoked Gouda are great melting cheeses that give frittatas their desired texture. Meanwhile, a low moisture cheese like Parmesan won't melt in the oven, especially when it's surrounded by a mixture of eggs.

This also holds true for aromatics, like onions, and sturdy veggies, like raw potatoes. "They won't get much more tender once you add the beaten eggs," says Perry, "So cook them fully before combining everything." Don't be afraid of getting a little color on the vegetables: That's what makes them so delicious!

Use a cast-iron skillet.

The best choice for making frittatas, cast iron skillets can safely go from stovetop to oven, and they conduct heat well and evenly. Seasoning a cast-iron pan gives it a non-stick quality, so a well-seasoned skillet will result in the easiest slicing & serving.

Cook the frittata in the oven just until the centre is no longer wobbly and the edges are golden-brown. If still unsure, place a knife into the centre of the frittata. If raw eggs run out, keep cooking. You want the eggs to be just set as the frittata will keep cooking while it's standing.

The word omelet is basic French while the Italians call their version a frittata.

What is another name for a frittata? ›

This frittata is made with peppers, potatoes, and spinach, in addition to the standard egg custard mixture. A frittata, also known as a crustless quiche, is a creamy, savory egg custard baked with any combination of fillings, usually vegetables and meat.

Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an omelette or crustless quiche or scrambled eggs, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables. The word frittata is Italian and roughly translates to 'fried'.

ENJOY! From Frozen: Remove frittata(s) from wrapper and place on a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot.

Beat eggs until just blended: Overbeating the eggs invites too much air in to the egg mixture. As the frittata bakes, the eggs will expand and puff up. That can leave them with a spongy texture that's dry and unappealing. You want to combine the eggs well, but stop once everything is fully incorporated.

Pre-seasoning the eggs with salt helps them retain moisture during cooking. Cooking the vegetables in batches gives us more control over their texture. Keeping the cheese in large chunks gives us oozy pockets in the frittata. Flipping the frittata ensures a creamy, dense center.

Whisking incorporates air, which produces fluffier scrambled eggs, and fluffy eggs are the end goal. These eggs are whisked twice: once to blend the eggs together and a second time once you add the milk. For best results, whisk until your wrist is tired! The mixture should look pale yellow and frothy with bubbles.

At their worst, they're flat, rubbery, and bland. Instead of risking the latter scenario (and disappointing my hungry roommates), I discovered the ingredient that makes every frittata foolproof. It's yogurt, and it adds just enough richness and moisture to make the best frittata you'll ever eat.

For a fritata specifically, you should be careful about not overcooking it -- it can cause it to deflate if the air bubbles over-expand and burst.

As the frittata bakes, the eggs will expand and puff up. That can leave them with a spongy texture that's dry and unappealing. You want to combine the eggs well, but stop once everything is fully incorporated.