Spring Vegetable Frittata: A Delicious Taste of Southern Missouri.

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Spring in Southern Missouri is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a dish that captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of local produce? A frittata, brimming with fresh spring vegetables, is a perfect choice. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this dish embraces the beauty of the season with the bounty of fresh eggs and vegetables that grow in our region.

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A frittata differs from an omelet primarily in its cooking method: a frittata is cooked mostly in the oven with the fillings mixed directly into the egg mixture before cooking, while an omelet is cooked entirely on the stovetop with fillings folded into the eggs after they are partially set, resulting in a thinner, more folded presentation. Just look how lovely the garnish makes this frittata dish look irrestitable!

The Backstory: A Taste of Italian Heritage Meets Southern Missouri.

The frittata has its roots in Italy, where it has been a staple for centuries. Traditionally, frittatas were a way to use up leftover ingredients—eggs, vegetables, cheeses, or meats—combined into a single dish that could be easily prepared and shared by a family. Over time, this humble Italian dish evolved into a beloved meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, showcasing the versatility of simple, wholesome ingredients.

In Southern Missouri, this timeless recipe was adapted and embraced by local home cooks, eager to celebrate the area’s own vibrant growing season. Local farms in the Ozarks and nearby rural communities offer a rich variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables—everything from asparagus and spinach to early-season tomatoes and radishes—that naturally lend themselves to the frittata’s adaptable nature. The farm-to-table movement, which has gained significant traction in Southern Missouri in recent years, has further cemented the frittata’s place in local kitchens as the perfect way to showcase the region’s spring bounty.

Families gather in the spring, eager to share meals made from fresh eggs from local farms and produce that has ripened with the season. The Spring Vegetable Frittata became a favorite in many of these homes, often passed down from generation to generation. Its simplicity and flexibility make it an ideal dish for a family brunch or a light dinner after a day of outdoor adventures in the Southern Missouri hills and valleys!

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You can practically put anything that your taste buds desire in a frittata... and that's the joy of cooking one. From a wide variety of meats to an all vegetable frittata, the possibilities are endless!

RECIPE: SPRING VEGETABLE FRITATTA

The beauty of the Spring Vegetable Frittata lies in its versatility. You can take any fresh, Southern Missouri spring produce and combine it in a simple, yet satisfying dish. Southern Missouri is known for its rich agricultural landscape, with everything from fresh greens and asparagus to radishes and early summer tomatoes. With these ingredients in hand, a Spring Vegetable Frittata becomes a celebration of the season’s bounty!

This recipe highlights a perfect blend of fresh spinach, spring onions, asparagus, and locally grown herbs, all baked to perfection with a blend of cheeses. It’s an easy-to-make, wholesome dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner!

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 large eggs (local, free-range eggs are ideal for the freshest flavor)

• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces

• 1/2 cup spring onions, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional, for a tangy depth of flavor)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• Fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or chives) for garnish

• Any other other veggie you prefer!

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Time spent together can lead to some very special memories and also teaching our younger ones healthy eating habits!  It's a win-win!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the frittata bakes evenly and comes out perfectly puffed and golden.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In an oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution), heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped asparagus and spring onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.

3. Add the Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. If you’re using garlic powder, sprinkle it in at this stage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh parsley.

5. Combine and Cook: Pour the egg mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Gently stir to combine the ingredients and evenly distribute the vegetables. Let it cook on the stovetop over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the edges begin to set.

6. Bake the Frittata: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the frittata is lightly golden on top. You can check by gently shaking the pan—if the center is firm, it’s ready.

7. Garnish and Serve: Once the frittata is baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a minute. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives for an extra pop of flavor. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

TIPS FOR PERFECTING YOUR FRITTATA:

• Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to swap out some of the vegetables depending on what’s available locally. Radishes, bell peppers, or even zucchini make excellent additions.

• Cheese Selection: If you can get your hands on locally made cheeses, go for it! Southern Missouri has a range of flavorful cheeses that can take your frittata to the next level!

• Leftovers: This frittata can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Serve it cold or reheat it gently in the oven.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

For a large skillet-sized Country Delight Frittata (around 10-12 inches in diameter), would typically yield 6-8 servings depending on portion size. If you slice it into larger portions, the calories per serving would be slightly higher.  However the nutritional value is fantastic!

TOTAL CALORIES FOR THE ENTIRE FRITTATA:

Without goat cheese: ~1,193 calories

With goat cheese: ~1,353 calories

Calories per Serving:

Without goat cheese: ~149-199 calories per serving (based on 8 servings)

With goat cheese: ~169-226 calories per serving

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Are you hungry yet?  The Country Delight Frittata is guaranteed to satisfy almost any taste bud!