Frittata is an excellent dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are easy to make, and you can serve them in many different ways. You can have it as an appetizer with your favorite toppings like tomatoes and basil on top, or you could cook it with some vegetables for a healthy meal. In this article, you can learn how to cook a frittata in a cast iron skillet.
What is a Frittata?
A frittata is a known Italian dish that is usually served for breakfast. It is highly similar to omelets. The difference is the way it is cooked and how the ingredients are mixed. Frittata is simmered in low heat, and the components are placed on top of the eggs, while in an omelet, the ingredients are wrapped inside the egg by folding it when cooked.
The word frittata was from the Italian word that means fried. That is why you can see the dish cooked in a pan and cooking frittata in cast iron.
Pro Tips on Cooking a Frittata in a Cast Iron Skillet
There are different ways to cook a frittata. But a cast iron frittata is said to be the best. So if you don’t know how to cook a frittata in a cast iron skillet, then you came to the right place. Traditionally, a frittata is best cooked in a cast iron skillet because it is naturally non-stick even when they are seasoned. So, you will have a fluffy with lesser crushed egg bits on the side.
To have a perfectly cooked frittata, here are a few tips that you have to bear in mind.
1. Keep the recipe simple.
Choose a few ingredients to add to your eggs. If you prefer more than four ingredients, you may have a few portions. Having too many ingredients may prevent the egg from sticking together, and you will end up with a broken frittata.
2. Monitor its moisture.
You must check the moisture from time to time to make sure you don’t end up having a watery frittata. To prevent this, you must first remove the excess water from the ingredients by sauteing it before mixing the eggs. When using cheese, choose the variety with less moisture.
3. Apply the toothpick method.
When cooking, use a toothpick to check if the center of the frittata is done. When the toothpick comes out clean, it means the center is already cooked.
4. Monitor the texture while cooking.
When cooking, you have to make sure they are evenly cooked. The eggs are quick to cook, so if you are cooking them using a stovetop, you must make sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning part of your frittata.
Frittata in a Cast Iron Skillet
The advantageous part about a cast iron skillet is you can use them for cooking and baking. Here are two different recipes that you can follow when learning how to cook a frittata in a cast iron skillet.
What you need:
- Cast Iron Pan or Skillet
- Whisk or fork to beat eggs
- Mixing bowl
- Oven or Stovetop
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Large plate
Recipe 1: Frittata in an oven.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tbsp greased bacon
- 1 head chopped broccoli
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 chopped bell pepper
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp chopped basil
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
Steps:
First, preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Then over medium heat on a stove, heat the skillet. Once it is already hot, add bacon, broccoli, onion, garlic, bell pepper, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir it and allow it to cook for 7-10 minutes. Then remove from the heat.
Get a medium-sized bowl and beat all six eggs, then add the cheese and cooked vegetables. Mix them well.
Reheat the skillet over low heat, and then pour the mixture you prepared into the cast iron skillet. Once mixed, you place the skillet into the oven and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes.
Recipe 2: Frittata cooked over stovetop fire.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tbsp greased bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 chopped bell pepper
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp chopped basil
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Steps:
First, you need to beat the eggs in a medium-sized bowl with a fork or whisk. Then add cheese, basil, bell pepper, garlic, onion, and bacon. Mix them well using a spatula. Then turn on the stove with medium heat and place the cast iron skillet. Once it’s hot, add at least one tablespoon of cooking oil. Twirl the skillet until the oil is evenly distributed to the pan.
Now, add the egg mixture and let it sit for 30 seconds. Using a spatula, scrape the bottom in a circular motion. Bring the edges to the center to form large curds. Let the egg sit undisturbed for a minute. Then reduce to low heat. You can cook it while lifting and tilting the pan to let the uncooked eggs flow around the sides and underneath. Do this for 5 minutes until most of the center of the egg is cooked.
You need to shake the pan to loosen the ingredients. Then get a large plate and place the frittata into a large plate.
Place the skillet back on the stove and heat another cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, put the frittata, then slide the frittata back. This time the uncooked part should be on the surface of the pan. Cook it for 3 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Lastly, put an adequate amount of salt and pepper to taste. Let it for 5 minutes to cool down, then serve.
Proper Care and Cleaning of Cast Iron Skillet
The cast iron skillet is a versatile pan that you can use for cooking food over a fire on a stovetop and for baking. That is why you should keep its versatility by employing proper cleaning and care. It can rust easily if not cleaned and cared for the right way.
When cleaning the used cast iron skillet, you can use very hot water and a soft sponge to remove the grease. Do not use steel wool and a harsh sponge to prevent the surface of the pan from damaging. If there is residue stuck in the pan, use very hot water and salt to form a paste. Then scrub gently and rinse again with hot water.
After washing, dry it thoroughly, or you can wipe it with a soft cloth to remove excess moisture that may cause rust. Then store it in a dry place.
Conclusion
Learning how to cook a frittata in a cast iron skillet is like having a nice well-cooked meal. You can even cook it while on a trip. Keep the frittata simple and mix it with few ingredients. You can cook it over low heat or in an oven. Remember to employ proper cleaning and caring procedures for a more cast iron frittata.