Kitchen Recipe Collection
Italian Frittata di Zucchine
A thick, rustic Italian egg dish loaded with thinly sliced zucchini, parmesan cheese, and fresh mint. Often eaten at room temperature for lunch.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- easy
- Cuisine
- italian
Ingredients
Scaled for 4 servings
- eggs
- zucchini (courgettes)
- parmesan cheese (grated)
- garlic
- fresh mint or basil
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (non-stick or cast iron)
- Whisk
Instructions
- 1
Prep Zucchini
Wash and thinly slice the zucchini into rounds.
- 2
Sauté Veggies
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a smashed garlic clove and sauté until fragrant, then remove it.
- 3
Cook Zucchini
Add the zucchini rounds. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they are soft, slightly golden, and their moisture has evaporated.
- 4
Beat Eggs
In a bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously. Stir in the grated Parmesan, chopped fresh mint, salt, and pepper.
- 5
Combine
Pour the egg mixture directly over the hot zucchini in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- 6
Cook the Base
Cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is set and golden, but the top is still runny.
- 7
The Flip (or Broil)
Traditional method: Place a plate over the skillet, invert the frittata onto the plate, and slide it back in to cook the other side. Easier method: Place the skillet under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top is puffed and golden.
- 8
Rest
Slide the cooked frittata onto a cutting board and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
- 9
Serve
Cut into wedges. It is actually best served at room temperature, making it perfect for a packed lunch.
Cooking Tips
- Fresh mint pairs exceptionally well with zucchini and provides a bright, uniquely Italian flavor to the frittata.
- A frittata is cooked much slower than an omelette, resulting in a denser, sliceable texture.
Variations
- Frittata di Maccheroni: Add leftover cooked pasta to the egg mixture for a incredibly filling Neapolitan version.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- A quintessential Italian picnic food (scampagnata) because it travels perfectly and doesn't need reheating.
Nutrition Estimate
250 calories · 15g protein · 5g carbs · 18g fat · 1g fiber per serving
