Summer Frittata

A frittata is similar to a quiche without a crust. It's cooked slightly differently, started on the stove top over low heat, then finished under the broiler. Frittata's usually include vegetables or meats and this one includes some of summer's finest and sweetest vegetables, corn and peppers. Unlike quiche, the cheese is added as a taste note on top of the eggs instead of being incorporated throughout the dish. I like this version for meatless evenings in the heat of summer. It cooks quickly so it doesn't heat up the house too much, and may be eaten either hot, warm, or cold. Serve this with a salad, or a side of raw snap peas or carrots, and enjoy for a light dinner or brunch.

Ingredients:

1 tsp. olive oil
2 ears corn (or 2 cups frozen corn kernals)
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped red or orange peppers
1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini (optional)
2 Tbs. chopped fresh Italian basil
1 tsp. butter
4 large eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 cup soy creamer
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. paprika

Directions: Heat the olive oil in an oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Add the corn, onion, garlic, and peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and the corn begins to brown. Reduce the heat to  low. Add the basil and butter, stirring to combine.

Prepare the egg mixture while the vegetables cook. Break the whole eggs and egg whites into a bowl, add the creamer, then whisk well to combine. The eggs should be slightly foamy.

Pour the egg mixture over the cooked vegetables. Cook over low heat until the bottom of the eggs are set, about 10 minutes. Preheat the broiler to low. Sprinkle the top of the eggs with the Parmesan and paprika. Place under the broiler and broil until the tops of the frittata is browned and the eggs are set. Cut into quarters and serve.

Serves 4

Stealthy Cooking Tip:  You'll notice that this recipe doesn't include any salt. That's because the Parmesan cheese adds a salty note on the top. Topping a dish with a salty note frequently eliminates the need for extra salt.