The Whole Broccoli Frittata: A Wild Boost To Your Brunch Menu
Introducing…your new favorite brunch dish! This whole broccoli frittata is packed with fresh, wildcrafted flavors that are bound to help you start your day off on the right foot.
The following is an excerpt from The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora by Alan Bergo. It has been adapted for the web.
RECIPE: Whole Broccoli Frittata
Serves 4–6 as a light entrée
The first time I walked through a garden growing broccoli, I noticed straightaway the large, collard-like leaves—something you never see in the store. Broccoli is more than just florets. The leaves are one of my favorite fall greens.
Cousins like Italian spigariello or leaf broccoli are grown specifically for their sweet, robust leaves. The leaves are great added to any dish with broccoli, or just cooked by themselves, but enjoying the leaves, stem, and florets in a dish like this simple frittata is a great way to use the whole plant.
Feel free to use other leafy greens, especially nettles, instead of the broccoli. For a smaller version, use 4 eggs, slightly less broccoli and other ingredients, and an 8-inch (20 cm) pan, with slightly less broccoli or greens.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce (14 g) attractive broccoli leaf, stem removed (1 large leaf)
- 5 ounces (140 g) broccoli, trimmed into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, stem peeled down to the tender core (1 small head)
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper
- 2 ounces (55 g) fresh chèvre
Procedure
Next, add the florets and stem and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables to cold water to halt the cooking, drain well, dice the broccoli leaf into 1-inch squares, and reserve.
Combine the eggs and cream in a bowl, whisking until mixed. Melt the unsalted butter in a 10-inch (26 cm) cast-iron skillet or other 10-inch non- stick oven-safe pan.
Add the broccoli leaves, florets, and stems. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then add the egg mix, cook for a minute or two, and stir a few times, as if you’re making a folded omelet.
Crumble in the fresh chèvre and stir to incorporate.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the top is just barely set, being careful not to overcook the frittata.
I also like to turn the oven off and allow the frittata to cook very slowly if I’m waiting for other dishes to cook or guests to arrive.
Accompanied by a green salad, this makes a great brunch or lunch dish.
Recommended Reads
Recent Articles
Make your own kombucha at home – it’s easier than you think! Kombucha is not only great for your gut health. It’ll make your taste buds happy, too. Get bubbling with this easy recipe to make your own kombucha!
Read MorePut your cooking and foraging skills to the test with this seasonal, delicious garlic mustard pesto recipe. Create a vibrant, nutrient-packed pesto that harnesses the power of springtime foraging.
Read MoreThese much-loved titles are the perfect books for Mother’s Day! Gardening books, cookbooks, memoirs and more — there’s a book for every mom on this list.
Read MoreMake a difference in the kitchen! Prioritize sustainable cooking through zero waste methods. From the ingredients we choose to how we dispose of what’s left behind, every small step in the kitchen can make a BIG difference!
Read MoreInvasive garlic mustard gets a bad rep, but did you know it’s edible from root to leaf? Garlic mustard can be consumed in its entirety and has great nutritional value. Plus, the flavor adds a punch of flavor to any dish!
Read More