I’ve recommended Cheryl Sternman Rule’s cookbook, Ripe to you before. It’s a tribute to peak fruits and vegetables in a cookbook full of witty writing, gorgeous photos by Paulette Phlipot, and reliably fantastic recipes.
Today I get to share Cheryl’s recipe for Spinach Smoked Gouda Frittata with Tomatoes (think of it as a lightened up Breakfast Quiche). You’ll love it, I promise!
The genius behind these recipes is that they’re so simple, but the flavor sum of the ingredients is consistently greater than its parts. Here, for example: eggs, spinach, smoked gouda, fresh tomato. I would gladly eat any of those lovely ingredients separately, but together…amazing.
Yes, you have to turn the oven on for a few minutes – but it’s just the broiler, so it’s totally reasonable even if you’re in triple digits. Whip this up on a lazy Saturday morning with some Skillet Potatoes (as we did), or serve it for dinner on a weeknight along with a simple green salad and maybe some Cheesy Potatoes.
Spinach Smoked Gouda Frittata with Tomatoes
Recipe reprinted with permission from RIPE © 2012 by Cheryl Sternman Rule, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Book Group.
This spinach-laden frittata with just a hint of smoky cheese comes together in minutes and offers ultimate time-of-day flexibility. Serve it morning, noon, or night with toast, roasted potatoes, and a little fruit. A last-minute dribble of balsamic vinegar delivers a subtle, acidic pop.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small shallot diced
- 4 cups baby spinach 5 to 6 ounces, 110 to 140g, rinsed and spun very dry
- 1/4 cup shredded smoked gouda 30g
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- good balsamic vinegar for serving
Instructions
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Set an oven rack 5 inches (12 cm) from the heat source. Flip on the broiler.
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Whisk the eggs, cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.
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Swirl the oil along the bottom and up the sides of a 9 1/2-inch (24cm) cast-iron or ovenproof, nonstick skillet. (You may use a pastry brush.) Set the skillet over medium-low heat, add the shallot, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, one handful at a time, turning with tongs so it wilts. Crank the heat and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the spinach weeps and its moisture then evaporates, tossing a few times. (You want it relatively dry.) Lower the heat again.
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Add the egg mixture, cheese, and tomatoes and cook until the frittata is three-quarters set, about 5 minutes, tilting the skillet now and again so the runny eggs slide toward the edges.
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Broil until puffy and browned, 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve wedges warm or at room temperature, with balsamic vinegar for dribbling.
Oh, this looks great. I love dressing up eggs for a non-breakfast meal (though dressing them up for breakfast is always good as well), so the idea of this, along with a nice salad, is really calling my name.
I do to – I really don’t even think of eggs as a breakfast food. They’re my ‘go to’ food whenever I’m pressed for time.
smoked gouda is my faaaavorite cheese- i would love this!
it is sooo good.
Great recipe! I think I have all of the ingredients in my fridge and pantry too and this would be a nice change from the usual omelette 🙂
Perfect!
A good frittata is such a great dish! I haven´t used smoked gouda in a long time, and you reminded me that I love it!
Smoked gouda is delicious – I also love smoked mozzarella.
I love frittata and i’ll try this recipe … and your photos are always beautiful !!!
Thank you Giovanna, 🙂 You’ll love it!