Organic Mama Veggie Frittata: A Taste of Wholesome Comfort

There’s something profoundly comforting about a frittata. For me, it’s a dish that whispers tales of cozy kitchen mornings, the kind where the scent of gently cooking vegetables mingles with the promise of a nourishing start to the day. This “Organic Mama Veggie Frittata” specifically brings to mind my own mother’s bustling kitchen, a place where fresh, seasonal ingredients were always the stars. I remember her making a similar dish, filled with whatever vibrant produce we had on hand, a testament to her resourcefulness and deep love for feeding us well. It was never just food; it was an expression of care, a warm embrace on a plate, and this frittata carries that same heartfelt essence, a true celebration of simple, organic goodness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 pie
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to unlocking the delightful flavors of this Organic Mama Veggie Frittata. Opting for organic, as the name suggests, not only supports sustainable farming practices but often yields ingredients with a more vibrant and pure taste, which truly shines in a dish this straightforward.

• 1 teaspoon organic valley european-style cultured butter
• 9 large organic valley grade a large brown eggs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• 2-4 slices organic valley bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 2 cups spinach leaves, washed and torn
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup organic valley feta cheese

Equipment Needed

To bring this frittata to life, you’ll primarily need a few essential kitchen tools:

• A 9-inch round baking pan (cast iron skillet or oven-safe pie dish works beautifully)
• A medium mixing bowl
• A whisk
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A knife and cutting board
• A spatula or spoon for stirring

Instructions

The beauty of a frittata lies in its simplicity and forgiving nature. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, beautifully golden frittata that’s bursting with flavor.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your frittata bakes evenly and quickly.
2. Next, grease the inside of your 9-inch round baking pan generously with the organic valley european-style cultured butter. This will prevent the frittata from sticking and add a subtle richness.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 9 large organic valley grade a large brown eggs, 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt, 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika until they are well blended. Aim for a uniform color with no streaks of egg white or yolk.
4. If you’re using the organic valley bacon, add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the prepared baking pan.
5. Now, add the 2 cups of spinach leaves, 1 medium red onion (chopped), and 1 large red bell pepper (chopped) to the pan with the bacon (if using).
6. Gently stir the vegetables and bacon (if using) together in the pan to distribute them evenly.
7. Pour the whisked egg mixture over the vegetables and bacon in the prepared pan.
8. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Ensure the vegetables are somewhat submerged in the egg mixture for even cooking.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the eggs are fluffy, golden brown, and set in the middle. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should jiggle only slightly, or insert a knife near the center, which should come out clean.
10. Once the frittata is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven.
11. Sprinkle the top generously with the 1 tablespoon of fresh basil (chopped) and the 1⁄2 cup of organic valley feta cheese. Allow the residual heat to slightly soften the feta.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’ve learned that a few small adjustments can elevate even the simplest of dishes. For this frittata, consider these tips:

• Vegetable Prep: Ensure your vegetables are chopped into relatively uniform sizes. This will help them cook evenly within the frittata. If you prefer softer vegetables, you can sauté the onion and bell pepper for a few minutes before adding them to the pan, but this recipe is designed for them to cook perfectly within the frittata itself.
• Bacon Fat Magic: If you’re opting for bacon, don’t discard all the rendered fat. You can leave about a tablespoon in the pan after cooking the bacon and then sauté your onions and peppers in it before adding the eggs. This adds an incredible depth of flavor.
• Cheese Integration: While sprinkling the feta on top is traditional and visually appealing, you can also gently stir half of the feta into the egg mixture before pouring it into the pan. This ensures a more integrated cheesy flavor throughout.
• Herb Power: Fresh herbs are key to bright flavors. Basil is fantastic, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like chives, parsley, or even a touch of oregano. Add them in the last few minutes of baking or right before serving for the freshest taste.
• Oven Variations: Ovens can be finicky! If you find your frittata is browning too quickly on top but isn’t set in the middle, you can loosely tent it with foil for the remainder of the baking time. Conversely, if it’s not browning, you can finish it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This frittata is a chameleon, equally at home as a light lunch, a hearty brunch centerpiece, or even a sophisticated appetizer.

Serve it warm, cut into wedges. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a slice of crusty whole-wheat toast. For a brunch spread, consider adding some fresh fruit or a side of roasted potatoes.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in a microwave on a low setting, or for a crisper texture, place a slice in a toaster oven or a dry skillet over low heat until warmed through. It’s also quite delicious served cold or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

This table provides an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, especially if optional ingredients like bacon are included.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	164.6 kcal
Calories from Fat		95 g
Total Fat	10.6 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4.6 g	23%
Cholesterol	291.8 mg	97%
Sodium	455.2 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	4.9 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	2.8 g	11%
Protein	12 g	24%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a delightful classic, its versatility allows for endless customization.

• Cheese Swap: If feta isn’t your preference, try crumbled goat cheese, shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or even a dollop of ricotta.
• Veggie Adventures: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of fresh asparagus would be wonderful additions. Adjust cooking times for denser vegetables if needed.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese and butter. You can use a tablespoon of olive oil for greasing the pan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired. Ensure your bacon substitute is also dairy-free.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this frittata ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Frittatas are excellent for meal prep. Bake it completely, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat slices as needed.

Q: What is the best way to ensure my frittata is cooked through but not dry?
A: The key is not to overbake it. The eggs should be set with a slight jiggle in the center. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can. Make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the frittata to avoid a watery result.

Q: Is it necessary to use Organic Valley products?
A: While the recipe specifies Organic Valley products, feel free to use your favorite organic or high-quality alternatives for eggs, butter, and cheese. The brand emphasis is on the quality and organic nature of the ingredients.

Q: How can I make this frittata lighter or lower in calories?
A: You can reduce the amount of cheese used, omit the optional bacon, and be mindful of the type of cheese you choose, as some are higher in fat.

Final Thoughts

The Organic Mama Veggie Frittata is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the goodness of wholesome ingredients, and create a meal that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is a reliable and rewarding choice. I encourage you to try it, to perhaps even add your own family’s favorite vegetables or herbs, and to share it with those you love. Serve it alongside a crisp, refreshing glass of iced herbal tea for a truly delightful and healthful experience. Enjoy every bite of this simple, yet profoundly satisfying creation!