Asparagus Frittata Recipe

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Before diving into the deliciousness of asparagus frittata, let’s talk about some perfect companions for this dish. A fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast. Consider serving slices of crusty sourdough bread or whole grain toast on the side. Both give you that satisfying crunch and act as a perfect scoop for the frittata. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a crisp, dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors. Oh, and don’t forget about the classic touch of a sprinkle of fresh herbs—basil or parsley can elevate this dish even further.

When I think of comforting meals that remind me of sharing good times with friends and family, asparagus frittata immediately comes to my mind. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a story of sunny mornings and laughter, of gathering around the kitchen table and serving something that makes everyone feel at home. What’s great about this dish is its versatility. You can whip it up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I’ve had my fair share of frittatas over the years, and asparagus frittata has become a go-to for so many reasons.

Table of Contents

What is Asparagus Frittata?

At its core, an asparagus frittata is a baked egg dish, packed with tender asparagus, rich cheeses, and a hint of fresh herbs. It’s like an Italian omelet, but with more character and depth. The eggs create a fluffy base that perfectly complements the crisp-tender asparagus. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to showcase spring vegetables while providing a satisfying meal. You can customize it with whatever you have on hand, making it a fantastic option for using up leftovers.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Let me tell you, if you love a blend of comfort and freshness, you’re going to adore the flavor profile of asparagus frittata. The golden eggs provide a rich, buttery foundation while creamy ricotta adds depth and lightness. Add in that vibrant asparagus, and you have crunchy textures layered with smooth, savory tastes. The touch of lemon zest brightens everything up, and a sprinkle of salt and white pepper provides that much-loved seasoning kick. Essentially, it’s a delightful balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This

There are countless reasons to love asparagus frittata. It’s simple, yet impressive. Perfect for brunches with friends, a weekday meal, or as a make-ahead option for busy days. The best part? It’s nutritious! You’ll get protein from the eggs and richness from the cheese, all while indulging in those fresh veggies. Plus, it’s flexible. If someone in your group isn’t a fan of asparagus, swap it out for spinach or bell peppers. The world is your oyster, or in this case, your frittata!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life:

1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
1 pound tender asparagus spears, tough ends removed, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for that refreshing brightness)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted Euro-style butter
6 large free-range eggs
3/4 cup creamy ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese if preferred)
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or an Italian blend)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This setting works like magic for cooking your frittata evenly without burning.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Asparagus

Grab a skillet that can go in the oven. Melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the shallots and cook until they’re fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the asparagus and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still bright green. This sautéing brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta, lemon zest, chives, tarragon, and the remaining salt and white pepper. Aim for a nice, even mix; this is where you’ll achieve that fluffy texture.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour the egg mixture over the cooked asparagus and shallots in your skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Give it a gentle stir right in the skillet to let everything settle but don’t go wild; we want chunks of veggies to remain intact!

Step 5: Bake

Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is puffed up and just set in the center. You know it’s done when it wobbles slightly but doesn’t jiggle excessively.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. I often find that the flavors are even more pronounced when it has time to rest.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips I’ve gathered over my years in the kitchen to make your frittata experience even better:

Use Fresh Eggs: The freshness of the eggs plays a significant role in the taste. If you have access to free-range or local eggs, go for it!
Experiment with Cheeses: While Gruyère is fantastic, try goat cheese or cheddar if you want to mix things up.
Add Extra Veggies: You can easily toss in sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, or even leftover roasted veggies.
Mind the Oven Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your frittata at the 20-minute mark to ensure you don’t overcook it.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Nutrition Information

A typical serving (1/6 of the frittata) can pack in these nutrients:

Keep in mind that these values can slightly vary based on your specific ingredients.

How Can You Store This Asparagus Frittata?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, consider freezing individual slices. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Alternative Choices for Ingredients

What if you find yourself lacking some ingredients? No worries! Here are some alternative choices:

Asparagus Substitute: If asparagus isn’t available, spinach is an excellent substitute. It cooks down nicely and adds a lovely flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: Don’t have Gruyère on hand? Feta cheese can bring a tangy punch, or you can stick to classic mozzarella, which melts beautifully.
Egg Replacements: For a vegan option, consider using silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast and spices as an egg alternative. It gives a great texture and flavor.

Before diving into the deliciousness of asparagus frittata, let’s talk about some perfect companions for this dish. A fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing contras

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 353 kcal

Equipment

frying pan
Saucepan

Ingredients

1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
1 pound tender asparagus spears tough ends removed, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted Euro-style butter
6 large free-range eggs
3/4 cup creamy ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese