Frittata Di Zucchine (Zucchini Frittata)

Dee514's Note:

Over 40 years ago, I was taught to make zucchini frittatas by my grandmother. This is her recipe, which I still use on a regular basis. You can adjust/substitute the herbs to your taste preference to make this recipe "your own". Served with a tossed green salad on the side, it makes a wonderful light dinner. Posted in answer to a request.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 1.0 Frittata

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion , coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional) or ½ teaspoon dried thyme , crushed (optional)
• 1 ½ lbs zucchini
• 2 tablespoons Italian parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh basil , chopped
• 5 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (parmesan cheese)

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler (the one in your oven, not the BBQ grill).
2. In a small frying pan over medium heat, warm two tablespoons of the olive oil.
3. Add the onion and dried thyme (if using it).
4. Sauté until the onion wilts (about five minutes).
5. Prepare the zucchini by cutting off the stems and blossom ends, cut them in half lengthwise, and then cut them crosswise into thin slices.
6. Add the zucchini, cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally (until tender but not mushy- about 10 to 12 minutes).
7. Just before the zucchini slices are done, add the fresh thyme (if using it) and the basil OR parsley.
8. Place the mixture in a colander to cool and allow excess water to drain out (about ten minutes).
9. In a bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
10. Beat in the salt, pepper, and cheese.
11. Add the drained cooled zucchini and onion mixture.
12. Pour the remaining two tablespoons olive oil in a flameproof 12-inch skillet or omelet pan and place over medium heat.
13. When it is hot enough to make the eggs sizzle, pour in the egg mixture, making sure the zucchini mixture is distributed evenly.
14. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook the frittata gently until it is set (about 12-15 minutes).
15. Be careful not to overcook the eggs.
16. To finish cooking, slide the pan under the preheated broiler six inches from the heat until the top is golden (about 1-2 minutes more).
17. Use a spatula to loosen the edges from the pan, slide the frittata out onto a serving plate.
18. Serve warm or cold, cut into wedges.

Reviews

[GinnyP]

Dee, this is so delicious that we use this as our base recipe for all our frittata's now, no matter what we add to them. Although zucchini is a favorite with me, we add other veggies that we have on hand. Thank you for getting us out of our egg rut! :)

[under12parsecs]

I absolutely adored this lovely frittata! I love the sweet onion and zucchini combination with the thyme. I subbed cheddar for the Parmesan and added 1 t Dijon to the eggs. I will absolutely make this over and over and over again!

[carole in orlando]

Very nice frittata! I served it with fresh fruit and coleslaw. I followed the recipe except for some chopped garlic thrown in with the onions. I used dried thyme and fresh basil as that is what I had. I think that sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms added to the frittata would be good, but as is I want to thank you for sharing your grandmothers recipe. Carole in Orlando