Spaghetti frittata – The Pasta Mission

This conventional Neapolitan spaghetti frittata recipe is a wonderful was to make use of up leftover spaghetti. You possibly can eat this frittata scorching 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 called frittata di maccheroni, is a simple to make household favourite in Naples and all through Campania. This recipe was created to utilize leftover pasta and stop waste.

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

Different variations of pasta frittata.

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

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

Nearly all of Italian pasta frittata recipes are made with lengthy pasta similar to spaghetti, linguine, vermicelli, bucatini and so forth.  Nonetheless, you may make this recipe with brief pasta tubes similar to penne, rigatoni, ziti and so forth.

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 components 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.  After all, French omelets don’t ever embody pasta! Frittatas do.

Elements, substitutions and ideas for this spaghetti frittata.

The pasta: Many sorts of lengthy and brief pasta work effectively in a frittata. I used spaghetti, however you should use the pasta of your alternative. After all, 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 following day!

The eggs: Aside from the pasta, eggs are the primary ingredient on this spaghetti frittata. I favor to make use of massive 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 comprises grated Parmigiano or Grana and scamorza. The latter is a Southern Italian cow’s milk cheese that’s made in an analogous approach to mozzarella. Nonetheless, not like 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: If you happen to can’t discover scamorza, use provolone, or a low-moisture mozzarella.

The meat: The recipe I adopted for this leftover spaghetti frittata referred to as for pancetta, however Italians additionally use salami, soppressata or mortadella. The pancetta will be cooked beforehand or added as is to the frittata components. I favor to fry it a bit, however Italian pancetta will be eaten uncooked, so that you don’t must fry it first.

Skilled tip: I favor to fry the pancetta a bit, however Italian pancetta will be eaten uncooked, so that you don’t must fry it first.

Different components.

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. After all, you can additionally add different veggies similar to mushrooms or spinach and miss the meat for a meatless model.

However, to make this recipe vegetarian you will have to make use of vegetarian cheese. Some sorts of scamorza are vegetarian however Italian Parmigiano and Grana should 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 stored within the fridge, deliver it to room temp first.

Within the meantime, fry the pancetta in a bit 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 sorts 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 components and blend and toss till the spaghetti is effectively integrated with the eggs, cheese and pancetta.

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

When a reasonably compact crust has fashioned 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 a bit extra olive oil to the pan and as soon as it’s scorching, slide the frittata again into the pan with the raw aspect beneath. Cook dinner for a couple of extra minutes, till you have got a pleasant golden crust on the opposite aspect too.

Enable your frittata to chill barely earlier than reducing 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 will be stored sealed within the fridge for as much as 2 days. To reheat it, use the microwave. You may also deliver it to room temperature and eat it chilly.

Let me know what you assume.

If you happen to make this Neapolitan spaghetti frittata recipe, I’d love to listen to the way it seems and in case you favored it. So, please depart a remark right here on the weblog or on The Pasta Mission 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