Most nutrition experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating a balanced breakfast gives the body’s metabolism a kick-start, and provides our brains and bodies with much-needed fuel after a night of fasting. And research shows that protein, in particular, at breakfast can help energize the body and curb hunger all day long. How much protein is enough? Research suggests that 20 to 30 grams of protein helps deliver appetite satisfaction and supports weight control. A breakfast frittata is an easy and delicious way to reach that optimal protein range and including grilled or roasted vegetables will boost flavor, fiber and nutritional value even more. Uneaten frittata can be stored in the refrigerator and then re-heated for a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients
- large eggs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmiagiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 18 each Scallions, white part only, thinly sliced
- 2 small Shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups Yellow zucchini, diced
- 3 cups Swiss chard, stemmed, chopped
- 2 tsp Thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 medium red bell peppers, roasted, peeled
- 3/4 lb Asparagus, tough ends removed, cut into 2″ lengths
- 3 cups Baby spinach
- 1 large tomato, sliced into 8 rounds
- 16 Basil leaves
- 1/2 lb Mozzarella, fresh, unsalted, sliced into 8 rounds
Directions
- For the eggs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the eggs and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese together in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Set aside.
- In a cast iron pan, heat the olive oil and add the scallions, shallots, and cook 1 minute over medium heat. Add the zucchini and cook until they start to color. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted. Add thyme, pepper flakes, and cook to combine.
- Add the bell peppers, asparagus, and salt to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus are soft but still al dente, reduce heat and cook until completely tender.
- Gently stir in the spinach, stirring often, until the spinach wilts. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until most of the liquid is evaporated, stirring often, for about 2 to 6 minutes.
- To prep the tomatoes and basil: Lay the tomato slices on a piece of paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and gently press to absorb extra moisture and set aside.
- Pour the eggs over the vegetables, and reduce heat to low. Cook until you can see that the eggs are setting on top of the vegetables, about 5 minutes. Garnish top of eggs with tomato slices, and top each tomato with a basil leaf and slice of mozzarella.
-
Stack remaining 8 basil leaves, roll lengthwise, and cut crosswise into thin strips. Sprinkle basil and remaining Parmesan over the top of the frittata. Bake until the top of the frittata is browned and puffy, about 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve immediately.