The Golden Harvest Skillet: Seasonal Vegetable Frittata

🌍 Cuisine: Italian
🏷️ Category: Main Course
⏱️ Prep: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook: 25 minutes
👥 Serves: 4-6 servings

📝 About This Recipe

This rustic Italian-inspired frittata is the ultimate expression of 'Breakfast-for-Dinner' comfort, blending velvety farm-fresh eggs with the vibrant bounty of the season. By slow-sautéing seasonal greens and aromatics before a gentle bake, we create a custard-like texture that is both light and incredibly satisfying. It is a versatile, one-pan masterpiece that celebrates simple ingredients and the cozy warmth of a home-cooked meal.

🥗 Ingredients

The Egg Base

  • 10 pieces Large eggs (preferably pasture-raised, at room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup Heavy cream (for a rich, silken texture)
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper

Seasonal Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large Leek (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced)
  • 1 bunch Asparagus (woody ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 cups Baby spinach (packed)
  • 1 medium Zucchini (quartered and thinly sliced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 4 ounces Goat cheese (crumbled)

Fresh Herbs & Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh chives (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 10 eggs, heavy cream, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.

  3. 3

    Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch oven-safe non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat.

  4. 4

    Add the sliced leeks to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and translucent, being careful not to brown them.

  5. 5

    Increase the heat slightly and add the zucchini and asparagus pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

  6. 6

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant.

  7. 7

    Add the baby spinach to the pan. Toss gently with tongs for 1-2 minutes until the leaves have just wilted.

  8. 8

    Spread the vegetables into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet.

  9. 9

    Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables. Use a spatula to gently lift the cooked edges of the vegetables so the egg flows underneath.

  10. 10

    Let the frittata cook undisturbed on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom and sides begin to set.

  11. 11

    Dot the top of the egg mixture with the crumbled goat cheese and sprinkle with the fresh chives.

  12. 12

    Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles when the pan is shaken.

  13. 13

    For a golden top, turn the broiler on for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

  14. 14

    Remove from the oven and let the frittata rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to subside and makes slicing much cleaner.

  15. 15

    Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

💡 Chef's Tips

Always whisk your eggs thoroughly to incorporate air for a fluffier result. Avoid overcooking; the frittata should be removed when the center has a very slight 'give' as it will continue to cook from residual heat. Feel free to swap vegetables based on the season: use butternut squash and kale in autumn, or cherry tomatoes and basil in summer. Ensure your skillet is truly oven-safe, especially the handle; if using cast iron, ensure it is well-seasoned to prevent sticking. If using watery vegetables like mushrooms or frozen spinach, sauté them longer to evaporate excess moisture before adding the eggs.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp arugula salad tossed in a lemon-shallot vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Pair with thick slices of toasted sourdough bread rubbed with a garlic clove. For a true 'breakfast-for-dinner' experience, serve with crispy thick-cut bacon or smoked salmon on the side. Accompany with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a dry Rosé for an elevated evening meal. A dollop of crème fraîche or a spoonful of tomato jam on top adds a beautiful gourmet touch.