Cooking the habanero in the rendered pancetta fat helps tame its heat while allowing its sweetness and fruitiness to shine. Scotch bonnet peppers would work as well, offering a more tropical alternative with similar flavor and heat level but less bitterness. banish the bland with this spicy southwest veggie frittata recipe. loaded with black beans, ro*tel diced tomatoes, veggies and cheese, this breakfast or brunch recipe will give you the kick you need to get you through your day!
Although I’m usually a stickler for habit in the mornings, on the weekends I like to break out of my breakfast rut. When my husband is in charge of breakfast, that means waffles or if I’m really lucky, doughnuts from a local shop. If I’m in charge of breakfast, it’s frittata time.
I love making frittatas. They the perfect way to use whatever ingredients you have on hand, and they are easy to make and perfectly hearty. Not so much to weigh you down, but filling enough to get me through the rest of the morning with enough energy to handle my family of five.
Frittatas, which are just a fancy name to get us out of having enough skills to flip an omelette, are the perfect base for bold flavors like RO*TEL. RO*TEL has enough zest to kick up every breakfast, lunch, dinner and, snack! It’s time to banish the bland and bring the bold to breakfast with this Southwest Veggie Frittata recipe!
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisped and fat is rendered, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Pour fat into a small container. Add 1 Tbs. of the rendered fat back to the skillet. Stir in habanero, scallion whites, crushed red pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and black pepper.
Scatter cooked pancetta in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese in an even layer. Pour egg mixture into skillet.
Bake until eggs are set, 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with scallion greens. Let cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
⦁ 4 oz. pancetta, diced
⦁ 1 habanero chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped
⦁ 1/4 cup finely chopped scallion whites
⦁ 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
⦁ 1/2 jalapeño, diced
⦁ 6 large eggs
⦁ 1/4 cup heavy cream
⦁ 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
⦁ 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
⦁ 2 Tbs. chopped scallion greens
instructions
⦁ Preheat the broiler to low.
⦁ Prep all your ingredients, so they are ready to go! You’ll want to finely chop on red pepper, green pepper, jalapeno and onion. Slice 6 ounces of mushrooms. Drain the black beans and open up your RO*TEL.
⦁ In a medium pitcher, whisk the eggs with the milk and salt and pepper to taste.
⦁ Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium high heat. Add in olive oil. Toss in the onions and peppers, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
⦁ Add in the mushrooms and continue cooking and stirring until the mushrooms have released their moisture and they begin to brown. Pour in the drained beans and the RO*TEL.
⦁ Continue cooking for a few minutes, then pour in the egg mixture.
⦁ Reduce the heat to medium low. Once the mixture begins to bubble, sprinkle with cheese and place under the broiler in the top-third of the oven.
⦁ Once the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden, remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and hot sauce, if desired.
⦁ Allow it to rest at least five minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature…. it’s fiesta time!
FAQ Spicy Habanero Frittata
Q: What is a Spicy Habanero Frittata?
A: A Spicy Habanero Frittata is a dish made with eggs, vegetables, and spicy habanero peppers. It is similar to an omelette or a crustless quiche and is cooked in a skillet or oven until set.
Q: How is a Spicy Habanero Frittata prepared?
A: Here’s a general method for preparing a Spicy Habanero Frittata:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, beat eggs together with salt and pepper until well mixed.
- Heat some oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and other vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms or spinach. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and slightly cooked.
- Add finely chopped habanero peppers to the skillet, adjusting the amount based on your spice tolerance. Remember that habaneros are very spicy, so you might want to use them sparingly if you’re not accustomed to high spice levels.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the sautéed vegetables and peppers in the skillet. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the frittata on the stovetop for a few minutes until the edges start to set. This allows the bottom to cook and creates a firmer texture.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the frittata for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and the eggs are fully set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
- Once cooked, remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the Spicy Habanero Frittata warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main dish for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. You can serve it with a side salad or crusty bread, if desired.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the Spicy Habanero Frittata?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to the frittata based on your preferences. Some common additions include cooked bacon or ham, grated cheese (such as cheddar or feta), herbs like cilantro or parsley, or even diced tomatoes. These ingredients can add more flavor and texture to the frittata.
Q: Can I make the frittata less spicy?
A: Absolutely! If you want to reduce the spiciness of the frittata, you can use fewer habanero peppers or substitute them with milder chili peppers like jalapeños or serranos. You can also remove the seeds and membranes of the habaneros before adding them to the frittata, as most of the heat is concentrated in these parts.
Q: Can I make the frittata in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the frittata in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Simply cool the cooked frittata, slice it into portions, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat the desired portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Are there any variations of the Spicy Habanero Frittata?
A: Yes, frittatas are versatile dishes, and you can create various flavor combinations based on your preferences. You can experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to customize the frittata to your liking. Additionally, you can use different types of spicy peppers if you prefer a different level of heat. Feel free to get creative and adapt the