Potato Frittata with Cheese and Zucchini Flowers (Tortino di Patate in Padella)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
A delightful twist on the traditional Italian frittata, this Potato Frittata with Cheese and Zucchini Flowers offers a savory combination of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and the delicate flavor of zucchini blossoms. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch, a starter for a dinner party, or an appetizer that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Whether you’re planning a family meal or an elegant gathering, this frittata brings a rich depth of flavor with minimal effort, making it an easy, impressive dish to prepare.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 180g |
| Pecorino Cheese | 40g |
| Zucchini Flowers | 6 |
| Fontina Cheese | 100g |
| Cooked Ham (Prosciutto Cotto) | 110g |
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by thoroughly washing and drying the potatoes, leaving the skin on for added flavor and texture. Once clean, use a mandoline to slice the potatoes thinly, creating even rounds that will cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Flowers
Next, take the zucchini flowers and gently separate the petals from the base of the flower. To ensure they are free of dirt or debris, delicately brush the insides with a soft brush or a cloth. After cleaning, open each flower and remove the pistil carefully. This step helps to ensure that the flowers stay intact and don’t release any unwanted flavors during cooking.
Step 3: Dice the Fontina Cheese
Cut the Fontina cheese into small cubes. Fontina is a semi-soft cheese that melts beautifully, making it an ideal choice for this dish. Its creamy, slightly tangy flavor will pair wonderfully with the richness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Frittata
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Begin by arranging the thinly sliced potatoes in the pan, layering them in a spiral pattern from the center to the edges. The goal is to create a neat circle, ensuring the potatoes form a single layer covering the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Once the potatoes are in place, cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat, helping the potatoes cook through while remaining soft. After a few minutes, layer the cooked ham (prosciutto cotto) slices over the potatoes, followed by half of the zucchini flowers and half of the diced Fontina cheese. Sprinkle a generous amount of Pecorino cheese on top to add a sharp, salty kick to the dish.
Step 6: Final Layers
Repeat the layering process by adding another round of ham, the remaining zucchini flowers, the rest of the Fontina cubes, and a bit more Pecorino cheese. These layers will melt together, creating a gooey, savory filling inside the frittata.
Step 7: Cook to Perfection
Cover the pan again with the lid, allowing the dish to cook gently on low to medium heat. This step will ensure that the cheese melts perfectly and the potatoes cook through without burning. After about 10–15 minutes, check the frittata. The cheese should be bubbling, and the potatoes should be tender.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the frittata is cooked, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool slightly. Slice it into wedges and serve while still warm, enjoying the gooey, cheesy interior and the delightful flavor of zucchini flowers. This frittata is perfect served with a side salad or fresh bread for a complete meal.
Tips:
- If you can’t find zucchini flowers, you can substitute with spinach or another leafy green, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- For a bit more richness, you can add a few beaten eggs to the mixture before cooking.
- This dish is also great for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
This Potato Frittata with Cheese and Zucchini Flowers is a true crowd-pleaser. Its combination of tender potatoes, savory cheese, and delicate zucchini blossoms offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you enjoy it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to be loved by all.
