Meatless Monday: Frittata With Asparagus, Tomato and Fontina
Frittata is dish similar to an omelet or a crustless quiche, except that it's not folded in half (like an omelet), and it's made in a skillet (instead of the pie plate a quiche is made in). But it's similar in that its made from eggs and you can add just about anything to it -- vegetables, potatoes, even pasta -- making it an ideal weeknight meal and also a great way to clean out the fridge. I imagine that frittata was invented 100 years ago by a little Italian grandma, who peered into her icebox and saw just 4 eggs, a hunk of cheese, some withering vegetables. Needing to feed her family, she stretched the ingredients she had into an entire meal, and thus the frittata was born.
Giada's asparagus frittata is made with sauteed asparagus, tomato and sharp fontina cheese, cooked in a skillet on top of the stove, like an omelet, but once its almost set, the skillet goes under the broiler until its golden. Asparagus is just now coming into season, so it should be available at farmers' markets and grocery stores. If you can't find it or want to make a frittata with what you have in your fridge, you can substitute broccoli or zucchini.
Preheat the broiler. Whisk the eggs, cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Set aside. Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the tomato and a pinch of salt and saute 2 minutes longer. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus mixture and cook for a few minutes until the eggs start to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes. Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the top is set and golden brown on top, about 5 minutes. Let the frittata stand 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the frittata from skillet and slide the frittata onto a plate.
