Slightly tangy thanks to the feta cheese, this Spinach Frittata is golden, light in texture, and flavored with chives and cilantro. Perfect for a savory weekend breakfast or light weeknight dinner.
Start by coarsely grounding cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Peel the outer layer of a shallot, cut the root and tip, and then cut it in half, lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, cut thin slices, lengthwise, about ⅛-inch (3mm) thick.
Cook the spinach.
In an ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the cumin and toast for 1 minute, or until fragrant and sizzling.
Add the sliced shallots and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.
Transfer the spinach and cook covered with a lid until just wilted and still firm, about 4-5 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the egg mixture.
In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs, add salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined.
Add the chopped chives and cilantro, stir until roughly combined, and set aside.
Assemble the spinach frittata.
Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir roughly, making sure the egg mixture flows underneath the spinach.
Evenly crumble the feta on top of the frittata, and sprinkle with the remaining ground cumin
Cook the frittata.
Turn the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the egg mixture around the edges is set (it is okay if the surface is still wobbly). While the frittata is cooking, preheat the oven to broil.
Transfer to the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes, until the top is golden. I recommend staying near the oven while broiling the frittata, as it can burn pretty easily.
Sprinkle with chopped chives and cilantro, and serve immediately. Enjoy with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!
Notes
I recommend using cumin seeds vs. pre-ground cumin. Freshly ground seeds are more fragrant and add texture to the frittata.
Toasting the ground cumin seeds in fat helps enhance the flavors. This method, called "fry" is commonly used in Indian cuisine to help spices release the maximum flavor in the dish.
Using a lid to cook both the spinach and the frittata creates a steamy environment that speeds up the cooking process.
Do not touch or stir the frittata while cooking. The eggs need to set gently to obtain the classic frittata texture. Stirring it will break the egg structure and you'll end up with scrambled eggs instead.
Be extra careful when handling the hot skillet. The handle of most ovenproof skillets will stay hot for a long time. Proceed with caution and good oven mitts!