Spanish-inspired potato, fennel, and chorizo frittata
This easy frittata is inspired by the perfect Tortilla Espanola, but is a) easier; b) faster, and c) includes more stuff. Oh, and it happens to be dairy and gluten-free.
I based this recipe on Mario Batali's Tortilla Espanola from Food & Wine. After doing a lot of research on tradition recipes for this dish, I realized that they all required frying the potatoes in several cups of oil and then flipping the entire egg and vegetable structure over and over using a large plate and a cast iron pan while cooking. What?!?! Do Spanish people do this with toddlers underfoot? If so, I salute you, Spanish parents. I wasn't game to take this on, but MB's recipe uses much less oil and forgoes the flipping, proving that it can be done! I cooked this like a frittata, letting the eggs set on the side and then cooking the rest in the oven because, laziness.
Spanish-inspired potato, fennel, and chorizo frittata
Time: 30-45 minutes, half active, half hands-off
Yield: 6 adult servings
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lb potatoes, sliced into 1/8 inch thick pieces or thinner
1 large fennel bulb (about 8 oz), sliced thinly
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
6 scallions, chopped
2 small links chorizo (4 oz), sliced OR 1 package of soyrizo
8-12 eggs, depending on how large your pan is or how much filling you use
Preheat oven to 350. Heat your oil in a 10-inch cast iron or other oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced potatoes and fennel and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often to prevent browning, until the potatoes are fork tender. Cooking time with vary depending on the thickness of your potatoes, but plan for anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
While the veggies are cooking, crack 8 eggs and whisk to combine the whites and yolks. Don’t overwhisk! These don’t need to be frothy, just combined.
Once your potatoes and fennel are tender, add the scallions and cook for one minute more.
Add the chorizo and stir just to distribute.
Top with the eggs. If the eggs don’t come up at least 3/4 of the way to to the top of the veggies, crack a few more, whisk, and add to the pan.
Cook on the stovetop until the sides begin to set, about 7-10 minutes. Put into the oven to cook through, about 10-12 minutes. Check the middle with a skewer, chop stick, or popsicle stick to test for doneness.
Serve immediately or let sit out for up to three hours. This is also delicious cold!