A savory frittata made with Swiss chard, caramelized onions, and a hint of garlic and spices, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Chard, stems separated and cut into ¼-inch slices, leaves coarsely chopped
bunch
Olive Oil, divided
tablespoons
Medium Onion, peeled and sliced thin
each
to taste
each
Black Pepper, fresh-ground
to taste
Cayenne
pinches
Garlic Clove, chopped
each
1. Prepare Chard
Begin by washing and preparing the chard. Separate the stems and cut them into ¼-inch slices, then coarsely chop the leaves.
2. Cook Onions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, add the sliced onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and slightly caramelized.
3. Cook Chard Stems
Add the chard stems to the pan with the onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook the stems for about 4 minutes, then add the chard leaves. If the pan seems dry, add a splash of water to help the leaves wilt. Continue cooking until the leaves are tender, then transfer the cooked chard and onions to a plate.
4. Prepare Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and beat them with a pinch of salt, the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, fresh-ground black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and the chopped garlic. Squeeze any excess liquid from the cooked chard mixture and stir it into the beaten eggs.
5. Cook Frittata
Preheat a 10-inch heavy or nonstick pan over medium heat and pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, pour the egg and chard mixture into the pan. As the frittata cooks, gently lift the edges with a spatula to allow the uncooked eggs to flow underneath, ensuring even cooking. The frittata is ready to flip when the edges are set and the center is still slightly runny.
6. Flip and Serve
To invert the frittata, place a plate over the pan and carefully flip the pan so the frittata lands on the plate. Slide the frittata back into the pan to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until fully set. Finally, slide the finished frittata onto a plate and serve warm.
Replace the Swiss chard with spinach and add diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano. You could also include artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or a spoonful of pesto to deepen the umami character of the frittata, complementing the sweetness of the onions.
Add cooked and crumbled sausage, bacon, or diced ham. Pair with a robust cheese like cheddar or Gruyère and balance with a mild green like spinach or kale.
Replace Swiss chard with another leafy green such as kale, spinach, or even arugula for a peppery bite. Each green brings its own distinct flavor and texture to the frittata.
Introduce cooked shrimp or flaked smoked salmon. Complement with asparagus, dill, and goat cheese or crème fraîche.
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