Yia-sas (Hello) from a not so sunny Greece
Apologies for the lack of email last week, I think I got a bit too relaxed here in Kalamata and in the holiday mode despite the weather here not being quite as good as we expected. It rains most days which is very unusual for this time of year.
Not that I’m complaining as it is warmer here than back home and I don’t like it too hot. This break is supposed to be more like getting a feel of living in a different country for a short time rather than a full-on holiday. I have managed to swim in the sea most days something I definitely would not be doing in the UK so I am happy.
Last week I posted the above image of a tortilla we had for our lunch on Instagram and someone asked me for the recipe. It is a dish I have made many, many times and was basically my Easy Spanish Tortilla/Omelette which is puiblished on Recipes Made Easy. This time I had added some chopped dill, a herb that is used a lot in Greek cooking and it was a delicious addition.
Anyway that made me think now would be great time to share my recipes for Tortilla and Frittata as they make great meals for warmer days.
Until next time.
Have a delicious week.
Is Frittata simply the Italian name for what the Spanish would call a tortilla, or what we Brits refer to as an omelette? To satisfy my curiosity, I did a little research.
The word "frittata" in Italian comes from "friggere," which roughly translates to "fried." Originally, it was a general term for cooking eggs in a frying pan or skillet.
More recently, "frittata" has become a term for a deeper omelette with at least one additional ingredient mixed with the eggs before cooking. Unlike a conventional omelette, where the ingredients are added on top of a cooked omelette before folding.
In a frittata, the eggs may be whisked to incorporate more air compared to a traditional omelette, resulting in a deeper filling and a fluffier outcome. The mixture is then cooked over low heat, taking more time than an omelette, until the underside is set while the top remains slightly runny. It can be flipped, grilled briefly to set the top layer, or even baked. (source: Wikipedia)
So, essentially, a frittata is a flavourful, deep omelette. But how does it differ from a tortilla?
According to The Gormandmum, the main difference lies in how the eggs are finished. A tortilla is always cooked entirely on the stovetop, while a frittata is often finished in the oven.
Now, it's worth mentioning that this differs slightly from the Wikipedia definition, as there are variations in tortilla recipes. While a traditional tortilla is indeed cooked on the stovetop, I've come across many baked tortilla recipes as well, including my own Baked Tortilla.
So, we can conclude that a frittata and a tortilla are, in fact, really quite similar.
While both dishes involve eggs and cooking in a similar manner, the primary differences lie in their specific ingredients, preparation techniques, and cultural origins. Yet outside their native speaking country the names are almost interchangeable.
In the end, whether you're making a frittata, tortilla, or calling it an omelette, what matters most is creating a delicious dish that suits your taste and preferences. So go ahead, follow the recipes or experiment as I do. Call it what you will and enjoy the culinary journey creating a delicious dish that suits your taste and preferences.
Easy Spanish Tortilla - Potato and Onion Omelette - makes a great midweek meal. Ideal for using up leftover cooked potatoes, or you can cook the potatoes from scratch to make this simple, quick and very, very tasty dish!
This pea and spring onion frittata is ideal for lunch or a midweek evening meal. Delicious served hot or cold.
Perfect served hot or cold, this Baked Tomato, Spinach and Mozzarella Tortilla is nutritious, delicious and very easy to make.
Made with creamy Greek yogurt and juicy strawberries, these delightful treats are a healthier alternative to most ice creams and lollies.
ncG1vNJzZmiqlZi2sbHCq6ymmqNjwLau0q2YnKNemLyue89ooKxlmal6onnTqKmtoZyhrm6y0aKrrZmklnqwvoyopJ6klanBpg%3D%3D