Spaghetti frittata – The Pasta Undertaking

This conventional Neapolitan spaghetti frittata recipe is a superb was to make use of up leftover spaghetti. You may eat this frittata sizzling or chilly and serve it as a part of a buffet. potluck or with an aperitif. This traditional model consists of eggs, two sorts of cheese (parmigiano and scamorza) and pancetta.

Historical past

Spaghetti frittata, also referred to as frittata di maccheroni, is a straightforward to make household favourite in Naples and all through Campania. This recipe was created to utilize leftover pasta and forestall waste.

In actual fact, there are various Italian recipes invented as a means to make use of up stale meals or leftovers. A whole lot of these recipes originated in what Italians name ‘la cucina povera’ that means the poor or peasant kitchen.

Different variations of pasta frittata.

Though this Neapolitan spaghetti frittata might be essentially the most well-known, you’ll find different variations of pasta frittata all through Italy. However, it’s hottest within the Southern areas.

I’ve already revealed a vermicelli frittata recipe from Basilicata which has anchovies, garlic and peperoncino (crimson chilli pepper) however no meat or cheese. It’s related in taste to spaghetti aglio e olio.

Nearly all of Italian pasta frittata recipes are made with lengthy pasta corresponding to spaghetti, linguine, vermicelli, bucatini and many others.  Nonetheless, you may make this recipe with quick pasta tubes corresponding to penne, rigatoni, ziti and many others.

It’s additionally in style to incorporate tomato sauce in a spaghetti frittata. This implies you’re utilizing up not solely your leftover spaghetti however the sauce too. 

What’s the distinction between a frittata and an omelet?

The primary variations between an Italian frittata and a French omelet are that for a frittata, Italians combine the substances into the eggs earlier than cooking. The French place the omelet filling onto the eggs after they’ve already began cooking within the pan.

Additionally, a frittata is historically round in form and thicker than an omelet. It typically takes longer to prepare dinner as effectively.  In fact, French omelets don’t ever embody pasta! Frittatas do.

Elements, substitutions and suggestions for this spaghetti frittata.

The pasta: Many varieties of lengthy and quick pasta work effectively in a frittata. I used spaghetti, however you need to use the pasta of your selection. In fact, you don’t want to attend to have leftover spaghetti to make this recipe. Many Italians prepare dinner pasta particularly to make a frittata!

Skilled tip: Subsequent time you make spaghetti, prepare dinner further so you may make frittata the subsequent day!

The eggs: Aside from the pasta, eggs are the primary ingredient on this spaghetti frittata. I favor to make use of giant free-range eggs for his or her style and high quality. Calculate one egg per particular person plus one further!

The cheese: A typical spaghetti frittata from Naples accommodates grated Parmigiano or Grana and scamorza. The latter is a Southern Italian cow’s milk cheese that’s made in the same strategy to mozzarella. Nonetheless, in contrast to mozzarella scamorza is tied and hung for 1-2 weeks earlier than it’s able to eat.  The flavour is saltier and the feel firmer than mozzarella. 

Skilled tip: For those who can’t discover scamorza, use provolone, or a low-moisture mozzarella.

The meat: The recipe I adopted for this leftover spaghetti frittata known as for pancetta, however Italians additionally use salami, soppressata or mortadella. The pancetta could be cooked beforehand or added as is to the frittata substances. I favor to fry it slightly, however Italian pancetta could be eaten uncooked, so that you don’t have to fry it first.

Skilled tip: I favor to fry the pancetta slightly, however Italian pancetta could be eaten uncooked, so that you don’t have to fry it first.

Different substances.

This spaghetti frittata is a quite simple recipe. Aside from the eggs, pasta, cheese and pancetta, all you want is a few salt, pepper and chopped recent parsley. In fact, you could possibly additionally add different veggies corresponding to mushrooms or spinach and pass over the meat for a meatless model.

However, to make this recipe vegetarian you have to to make use of vegetarian cheese. Some varieties of scamorza are vegetarian however Italian Parmigiano and Grana are usually not. They’re made with animal rennet!

Step be step directions.

To begin with, if utilizing raw spaghetti, prepare dinner the pasta al dente in loads of water and salt. Then drain it effectively and let it cool. If utilizing leftover spaghetti that’s been saved within the fridge, convey it to room temp first.

Within the meantime, fry the pancetta in slightly olive oil till it begins to brown, break the eggs into a big bowl and beat them and minimize the scamorza cheese into small items.

Add each varieties of cheese to the eggs and blend collectively. Then, add the pancetta, salt and pepper and the butter minimize into small items to the eggs as effectively and blend once more.

Lastly, put the cooked spaghetti into the bowl with the opposite substances and blend and toss till the spaghetti is effectively integrated with the eggs, cheese and pancetta.

Warmth slightly olive oil in a non-stick deep skillet or frying pan after which pour the frittata substances into the pan.

When a reasonably compact crust has shaped on the underside (you’ll be able to see from the perimeters and by shaking the pan), flip your spaghetti frittata the other way up onto a serving plate:

Lastly, add slightly extra olive oil to the pan and as soon as it’s sizzling, slide the frittata again into the pan with the raw aspect beneath. Prepare dinner for a couple of extra minutes, till you could have a pleasant golden crust on the opposite aspect too.

Enable your frittata to chill barely earlier than chopping it into serving slices. It’s scrumptious heat or as soon as cooled. Serve it with a salad for lunch, take it on picnics or potlucks, or eat it for breakfast!

What to do with leftovers.

Leftover spaghetti frittata could be saved sealed within the fridge for as much as 2 days. To reheat it, use the microwave. You may also convey it to room temperature and eat it chilly.

Let me know what you suppose.

For those who make this Neapolitan spaghetti frittata recipe, I’d love to listen to the way it seems and when you preferred it. So, please go away a remark right here on the weblog or on The Pasta Undertaking Fb web page.

Trying ahead to listening to from you!

Buon appetito!

Pin for later.

Different pasta recipes for snacks.

1. Fried rye flour ravioli
2. Baked ravioli (piconi ascolani) from Marche
3. Pasta arancini