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Ricotta Spinach Frittata

A baked Italian frittata made with whole eggs, fresh ricotta, wilted spinach, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The mixture is sautéed briefly before being finished in the oven until set.

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60 min 4 servings medium

Why this recipe works

Eggs and ricotta supply protein, which is necessary for tissue building and repair and contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. Baby spinach and parsley provide non-haem iron (the kind found in plant foods), which is necessary for normal oxygen transport, iron is part of the haemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Parsley, lemon, garlic and spinach all contribute vitamin C, which aids the absorption of that non-haem iron from food and also contributes to normal immune system function. Eggs, spinach, parsley and garlic also supply B vitamins, which contribute to normal energy metabolism (how the body turns food into energy).

Ingredients

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C). Place a 26–28cm ovenproof skillet or cast-iron pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Once shimmering, add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the sliced garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges.
  4. Add the baby spinach to the pan in batches, turning with tongs after each addition. Cook until fully wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes total. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly across the base of the pan and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  5. While the spinach cools, crack all 10 eggs into a large bowl. Whisk well until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture looks pale and slightly foamy, about 1 to 2 minutes of vigorous whisking.
  6. Add the ricotta, three-quarters of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, the lemon zest, remaining salt, and black pepper to the whisked eggs. Stir until the ricotta is mostly incorporated but small streaks are fine — they create a varied texture once baked.
  7. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil around the edges of the cooled skillet to prevent sticking. Pour the egg and ricotta mixture over the spinach and onion base. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes cut-side up across the surface, pressing them in gently. Scatter the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano over the top.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the frittata is fully set in the centre with no wobble when you shake the pan, and the top is lightly golden. A skewer inserted in the middle should come out clean.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the frittata to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before slicing. Scatter fresh parsley over the top. Slice into 4 generous wedges and serve directly from the pan, or transfer to an airtight container once fully cooled for storage.

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