Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Asparagus, Parmesan, Tuna Frittata...

Eggs…they’re not just for breakfast anymore! I’m one of those people who can gladly eat eggs at any meal—one of my favorite no-brainer suppers is an omelet with a quick salad or vegetable dish on the side.

A frittata is like an Italian version of an omelet—however, the ingredients are mixed into the egg, rather than folded into the center as a filling. Traditionally, frittatas are cooked first in a pan on the stovetop, then popped under the broiler for a few minutes to brown. At the end of a long work day though, I like to keep things easy—I just bake my frittata in the oven and cook everything in one simple step.

You can pretty much throw anything into a frittata, and they are a great way to use up leftover vegetables or whatever items you have rattling around your refrigerator or pantry. I like using vegetables, since I always seem to have a few stray ones in the fridge. Sometimes I often added sausage, but canned tuna, cooked potatoes, shredded prosciutto and leftover pasta are also tasty filling ingredients.

Basically, it’s all up to you and your imagination or the contents of your refrigerator can be your guide. Here is one of my simple frittata ideas to try. Hope you enjoy!



Asparagus, Parmesan, Tuna Frittata

Ingredients:
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
Pinch of sea salt
1 small (3 oz) can tuna, flaked and drained
~ I use a good quality albacore tuna
8 blanched asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Olive oil for the baking dish

Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Lightly oil an 8-inch baking dish (round or square, it doesn’t matter) with olive oil. Beat the eggs, milk and salt in a large bowl. Stir in tuna, asparagus pieces, and shredded parmesan. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.

Serves 6

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George’s notes:
  • Eggs are considered a good source of protein and choline. Because of this, the egg falls in the Meats category under the Food Guide Pyramid.
  • Bird eggs have been valuable foodstuff since prehistory, in both hunting societies and more recent cultures where birds were domesticated. The Romans crushed the shell in their plate to prevent evil spirits from hiding there.
  • The egg carton was invented by Joseph Coyle in Smithers, British Columbia, to solve a dispute about broken eggs between a farmer in Bulkley Valley and the owner of the Aldermere Hotel. Early egg cartons were made of paper.
  • The albacore, Thunnus alalunga, is a type of tuna in the family Scombridae. This species is also called albacore fish, albacore tuna,albicore, longfin, albies, pigfish, tombo ahi, binnaga, Pacific albacore, longfin tuna, longfin tunny, or even just tuna. It is the only tuna species which can be marketed as "white meat tuna" in the United States.


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33 comments:

  1. Looks yummy and mouthwatering....

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  2. I've made fritattas with all sorts of ingredients but have never thought to add tuna to the mix. This looks so appetizing, George, and has gotten me thinking about what other ingredients might be nice with the tuna. This is the perfect "worked all day...too tired to cook" recipe.

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  3. I should make more fritattas. Great idea for a quick dinner. Thanks George

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  4. We have tuna wars at my house. I only eat albacore, while my sister prefers that "other" stuff. The one thing I know for sure today, is that if I make this frittata (and I love frittatas) the whole thing will be all mine!

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  5. I love the combo of asparagus and eggs! It looks delicious. I also agree that it's nice to have eggs, omelets, and fritattas for lunch or dinner. They can be so elegant served with a salad or veggies and they are so quick and easy to throw together. I think I'm going to have some tonight:D
    Thanks for your comments about Nigella's wild rice salad! I hope it does taste like the one you've had before.

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  6. You and me both...about eating eggs anytime. I love the colours and layers one can create with this simple little item. What a great tidbit...about the egg carton! Wow...I am a Canadian in that Province and even lived near Smithers at one time...and yet...I did not know this simple claim to fame. Well, I shall have to do something about that now! Grin. Thanks for my good morning read as usual George!

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  7. Like Cathy, I've never thought of tuna in a frittata, but I will now. I've found very few things that don't go well with eggs. This looks delicious - wish I'd been there to help you eat it.

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  8. You know, for years I just tossed whatever came to hand into the eggs and called it a "crustless quiche". Then I learned that it's actually a Frittata! My daughter in law school recently commented to me that she's offended by people who claim they can't feed their kids on food stamps, when all they need to do is look to eggs as the basic unit of protein; they're not that expensive and a powerhouse of nutrition!

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  9. We like frittatas too and they are good at room temperature. I like how you baked yours instead of the stove and broiler. So much easier. We like eggs and eat them often. I've never thought of adding tuna, but I'm sure it made it great. Tuna is always good in anything, especially the good one you used.
    Sam

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  10. Oh I don't think I've tried any frittatas before.. It looks super yummy! I need to bookmark this page.

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  11. The best quick meal.. and a fine recipe... who knew that about egg cartons...great fun!!

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  12. We love Fittata and make it often but never with tuna. Sounds so good; something different to add to my collection; really like the idea of making it all on one step. Love all the trivia you add in your posts.
    Rita

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  13. Frittata to us is a staple in our home. I have loved it since a little girl and love making it for my kids when we have a busy night ahead.
    I usually add a combination of cheeses to mine, but this sounds so light and tasty especially with the tuna. My kids love potatoes in there's too. What a great variety of recipes you have George!

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  14. I can also eat eggs any time of day. I would love to prepare more eggs dishes but my husband will not touch eggs! Your frittata looks delicious. Think my youngest son would enjoy it (just like I would)!

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  15. I love making frittatas - this looks really delicious!

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  16. Looks so pretty George it cannot possibly be so quick and simple to make lol.
    This goes to the top of my list especially as asparagus and parmesan are two of my fave things ever.

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  17. That's what's great about frittatas! You can put all your favorite things in it. I've never put tuna in mine, but always empty out whatever I have left in the fridge. I've never done the entire thing in the oven either, but am going to the next time....what could be easier? Thanks, George.

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  18. I love the idea of being able to mince and incorporate leftovers into this dish. Good and simple! Thanks for sharing!

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  19. This is a classic George. Just so delicious!

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  20. Classic George, indeed. So tasty.
    We don't make half as many frittatas as we should at our place.

    We did break down and buy some asparagus the other day, though. It wasn't local -- but we were both having a major craving. Can't wait for spring so that we can eat more foods like this on a regular basis!!

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  21. nice! I used to eat frittatas a lot and somehow they haven fallen off my radar - thanks for reminding me!

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  22. How perfect for a Sunday Brunch and so easy too. My husband would love it!

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  23. We love eggs for dinner, so satisfying. Lovely looking frittata - very colourful and great flavours.

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  24. I agree... eggs are great for any meal. And this recipe will be added to my "Fridays in Lent" folder.

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  25. I do love a good fritata. We made your cherry salsa last night to top our stuffed pork. It was very yummy!

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  26. Frittatas is such a simple, healthy and wonderful light meal. I enjoy frittatas most often during the week. Your flavor combination of asparagus, parmesan and tuna is really nice.

    I think you may know by now, that I have a fondness for fresh eggs. At one time, I could not shake my head no, and came home with 16 dozen eggs. My husband's look was priceless. These days, I still come home with 3-4 dozen, and I mostly make omelettes or frittatas with my leftovers in the refrigerator.
    Thanks for the gentle reminder that eggs are a wonderful food.
    btw, thank you for your lovely comment on my blog today.

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  27. Wow, this looks amazing. Just came across your blog and I love it! I am definitely going to have to try this one...thanks!

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  28. I don't know why I haven't thought to use tuna in a frittata before...it certainly sounds delicious!
    I actually prefer egg dishes for dinner so thanks for this idea, George.

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  29. eggs are completely appropriate for any meal, whether they're scrambled, fried, baked, poached, what-have-you. i love frittatas--just as good as a quiche but with no crust to fuss with!

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  30. Between this & Stacy Snacks tuna tart I'm getting such good ideas for getting more fish in the diet!

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  31. Frittata....that's something I haven't made in a while but it's on my short list now. Especially using asparagus.

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  32. I always do the pan/broiler thing, it sounds so much easier to just bung it in the oven, thanks, George. BTW, lovely recipe.

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  33. I need to make more frittatas--this one looks amazing!

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