Garden Fresh Spinach and Feta Frittata with Tarragon
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Garden Fresh Spinach and Feta Frittata, a vibrant dish that elevates brunch beyond the everyday omelet. This frittata marries the earthy notes of fresh spinach with the tangy richness of feta and the aromatic hints of tarragon, creating an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and especially charming at Easter brunch, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp salad. Moreover, this quick-fix recipe allows you to enjoy quality family time—perhaps even fitting in an Easter egg hunt between preparations! Enjoy a slice of this delightful dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
Scallions
8 (thinly sliced (both white and green parts included))
Fresh spinach
10 ounces (stems removed, washed, and cut into strips (or use frozen spinach))
Dried tarragon
1.5 teaspoons (or use 1.5 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (divided)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (divided)
Large eggs
8 (beaten)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Feta cheese
5-6 ounces (crumbled (imported feta is preferred))
Instructions
1
1. Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a 12-inch ovenproof nonstick frying pan over moderate heat. Once melted, add the diagonally sliced scallions and sauté for about 1 minute until they soften.
2
2. Next, add in the fresh spinach along with the dried tarragon, if using. Season lightly with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the mixture frequently for about 3 minutes, allowing it to cook down until most of the moisture evaporates. Remove this mixture from the pan and let it cool slightly before wiping out the pan.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the 8 large eggs together with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture and add fresh tarragon if using.
4
4. Preheat your broiler to high. Meanwhile, return the frying pan to the stovetop and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over moderate heat.
5
5. Pour the egg and spinach mixture into the pan, reducing the heat to low. Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for about 6 to 7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the top is starting to set.
6
6. Carefully transfer the frittata to the broiler, placing it 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and slightly puffed.
7
7. To serve, gently lift the edge of the frittata with a spatula and slide it onto a large plate. Cut into wedges and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Garden Fresh Spinach and Feta Frittata?
It is a vibrant brunch dish that combines fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic tarragon for a flavorful meal suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 8 large eggs, 10 ounces of fresh spinach, 5-6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, scallions, butter, olive oil, and tarragon.
Is this spinach and feta frittata recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains eggs, cheese, and vegetables without any meat products.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use frozen spinach as a substitute for the 10 ounces of fresh spinach.
How many eggs are required for this frittata?
This recipe requires 8 large eggs.
What type of pan is best for making this frittata?
A 12-inch ovenproof nonstick frying pan is recommended since the dish starts on the stovetop and finishes under the broiler.
How should the scallions be prepared?
You should use 8 scallions, thinly sliced diagonally, including both the white and green parts.
Can I use fresh tarragon instead of dried tarragon?
Yes, you can use 1.5 tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon instead of 1.5 teaspoons of dried tarragon.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the frying pan and sauté the sliced scallions for about 1 minute until softened.
How long should the spinach be cooked?
The spinach should be cooked with the tarragon and seasoning for about 3 minutes until most of its moisture has evaporated.
Why is it important to evaporate the moisture from the spinach?
Removing the moisture prevents the frittata from becoming watery and ensures the flavors remain concentrated.
Should the spinach mixture be cooled before adding it to the eggs?
Yes, you should let the spinach mixture cool slightly before folding it into the beaten eggs.
What is the recommended broiler setting?
The broiler should be preheated to a high setting.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 2 tablespoons of butter is used, divided between sautéing the vegetables and cooking the egg mixture.
When do I add the olive oil?
One tablespoon of olive oil is added to the pan along with the second tablespoon of butter just before pouring in the egg and spinach mixture.
How long does the frittata cook on the stovetop?
The mixture should cook undisturbed on low heat for approximately 6 to 7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
When should the feta cheese be added?
The crumbled feta should be sprinkled evenly over the top of the egg mixture immediately after pouring it into the pan.
How far should the pan be from the broiler?
The pan should be placed approximately 6 inches away from the heat source when broiling.
How long does the frittata need to be broiled?
It should be broiled for 2 to 3 minutes until the eggs are fully set and slightly puffed.
How do I serve the frittata?
Gently lift the edge with a spatula, slide it onto a large plate, and cut it into wedges.
What temperature should the frittata be served at?
This dish can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
Is there a specific type of feta recommended?
While any feta works, the recipe suggests that imported feta is preferred for its flavor.
How much salt and pepper are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, both divided between the spinach and the egg mixture.
What makes this dish suitable for Easter brunch?
Its vibrant colors and quick preparation time make it a festive and convenient choice for holiday celebrations.
What are some suggested side dishes?
The frittata pairs beautifully with a crisp, fresh salad.
Is this recipe considered a quick-fix meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick-fix recipe that allows for minimal time in the kitchen.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, a frittata using 8 large eggs in a 12-inch pan typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I add other herbs besides tarragon?
The recipe focuses on tarragon for its aromatic hints, but you could experiment with other herbs if desired.
Does the recipe require specific spinach preparation?
Yes, the fresh spinach should have the stems removed, be washed, and then cut into strips.
What is the texture of the finished frittata?
The finished frittata should be golden brown on the bottom, fully set, and slightly puffed on top.