Asparagus Frittata With Burrata and Herb Pesto

Asparagus Frittata With Burrata and Herb Pesto
Karsten Moran for The New York Times
Total Time
30 minutes
Rating
4(891)
Comments
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Frittata, the savory Italian egg dish, can be thick or thin, flipped in the pan or finished under the broiler. This one, slathered with creamy burrata and drizzled with herb-laden oil, is a rather deluxe version of the ideal, worthy of a weekend lunch or a late dinner.

Featured in: A Deluxe Asparagus Frittata, Topped With Burrata

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 1small bunch medium asparagus, tough bottoms removed
  • ½cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1cup basil leaves, plus a few small basil leaves for garnish
  • 1cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1ball of fresh burrata, about ½ pound, at room temperature
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

380 calories; 34 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 18 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 16 grams protein; 365 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rinse asparagus, and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal, or into julienne strips if preferred. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    In blender or small food processor, purée olive oil, basil and parsley to make a thin pesto. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Put a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or other nonstick omelet pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add butter and swirl to coat pan, then add asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring for about a minute without browning.

  4. Step 4

    Quickly pour in eggs and stir with a wooden spoon, as if making scrambled eggs. Tilt pan and lift mixture at the edges to allow any runny egg from the top to make its way to the bottom. After 3 or 4 minutes, the frittata should be mostly set. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

  5. Step 5

    Lay a lid over the skillet, and turn off the heat. Leave for a minute or so, until frittata is moist and just done. (Alternatively, place pan under a hot broiler for a minute or so.)

  6. Step 6

    Set whole burrata in the center of frittata. Drizzle with herb pesto. Pierce burrata with tip of a knife and spoon contents over frittata. Cut frittata into wedges and serve directly from pan, garnished with basil leaves.

Ratings

4 out of 5
891 user ratings
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Comments

Use fresh mozzarella with a dollop of créme fraîche instead. That's basically what burrata is. No créme fraîche? Use some sour cream. It's similar enough for most people. There's really no need to pay the outrageous price for burrata when this will work just as well.

I stopped using the broiler to finish frittatas when I realized they were getting tough and overdone. After the vegetables are cooked and while the eggs are still very loose, I put the cast-iron skillet in a preheated 325-degree oven for 10 or 15 minutes (depending on the volume of eggs) and keep checking it. In the absence of buratta or as an alternative, a glob of fresh ricotta at the end is wonderful.

I make a frittata or Spanish tortilla just about every weekend. The only things I would do differently is to use olive oil instead of butter and start with sauteing onions before adding the asparagus (or spinach or zucchini or roasted red peppers or- you get the idea). They add a nice sweetness that balances the pungent vegetables and compliments the herbs and Parmesan. I am definitely going to try the burrata though!

I followed the recipe as closely as I possibly could, holding myself back from adding salt, or maybe a little half-and-half to the eggs or roasting the asparagus first, or adding onions or… I have to say it really is lovely just as stated. I added nothing to the eggs, finished it lightly in the broiler, used burrata (first time ever having it) The result was lovely, light and delicate, with a bit of glam added by the melted Buratta. The eggs were tender and not dry or overcooked. It felt special occasion/restaurant worthy. I will make it again, and the only change I will make is taking the advice of another commenter and adding a little bit of fresh garlic to the pesto. But only a little bit!

Did with only 4 eggs, and blue cheese instead of burrata (and used less). Very tasty!

See helpful note Sausage Chives and basil vs pesto Chèvre or ricotta for burrata

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