Definition

Noun: 1. A type of Italian omelet: A frittata is an egg-based dish similar to an omelet or crustless quiche. It is typically cooked slowly over low heat and is characterized by being started on the stovetop and then finished under a broiler or in an oven, rather than being folded. Its key ingredients include beaten eggs combined with diced or cooked vegetables, cheeses, and/or meats.

Usage

The word "frittata" is used as a countable noun to refer to the dish as a whole, whether discussing its preparation, serving it, or describing a specific type. * You cook, make, or prepare a frittata. * You serve, slice, or eat a frittata. * You can describe it with adjectives, e.g., a vegetable frittata, a cheesy frittata, or a leftover frittata.

Examples

• "For a quick dinner, I made a frittata with spinach and feta cheese."
• "The secret to a fluffy frittata is not to overbeat the eggs."
• "She served slices of the warm frittata straight from the pan."
• "This frittata is filled with potatoes and onions."

Advanced Usage

• As a culinary term: In professional and home cooking, "frittata" specifies a particular technique distinct from a French omelet. The instruction "finish the frittata under the broiler" is a standard step in its preparation.
• In menu descriptions: It commonly appears on brunch or lunch menus, often described by its main ingredients, e.g., "Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata."

Variants and Related Words

• Frittate (n): The plural form of frittata, though "frittatas" is also commonly used in English.
• Omelet/Omelette (n): A related egg dish where beaten eggs are cooked quickly and folded around a filling.
• Tortilla Española (n): A Spanish egg dish, often with potatoes, which is similar in concept but typically thicker and served in wedges.
• Quiche (n): A savory pie with an egg custard filling in a pastry crust.

Synonyms

• Italian omelet: This is a direct descriptive synonym.
• Open-faced omelet: A descriptive term highlighting that it is not folded.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (As) easy as a frittata: An informal, food-based play on the idiom "as easy as pie," used to describe a simple cooking process. (e.g., "Don't worry about breakfast; it's as easy as a frittata.")

Noun

1. Italian omelet with diced vegetables and meats; cooked until bottom is set then inverted into another pan to cook the top