Elegant and Easy Pasta Frittata

Karina's lovely gluten-free brown rice penne frittata

An Elegant and Easy Pasta Frittata

Summer is officially upon us- allegedly. And by us I mean those of us calling the Northern hemisphere our home. See? I didn't forget you lovely readers from the topsy-turvy land Down Under, strapped to snowboards or skiing the snowy slopes of Victoria in need of steaming mugs of soup and plates of comfort food. I know it's winter for you. I get it. I do. I'm chilly, too. I've got Popsicle toes. And just so you know I'm not pulling your leg, Mate, I'll let you in on a little secret.

I'm not sporting a bikini these days, either.

Well, I don't actually own a bikini, so that might not be terribly shocking news (I don't think I've even touched a bikini since 1982, and for that wise choice alone, countless thousands are grateful).

I'm still layering my long sleeved tees and thick fuzzy sweatshirts, you see. Here in Redondo Beach we have the annual weather effect (grumpily or fondly) known as June Gloom. Brushed velvet fog and low slung clouds hug the coast each morning and shower us with mist that would make Ireland proud.

It's a marine layer issue, so they say.

After three (long) sun baked years in Northern New Mexico, I rather like it. It's moody and hushed and inspiring in a rainy day spirit sort of way, transforming the technicolor blue of L.A. skies into wallflower introversion, softening and muting the usual exuberance and clamor that is Los Angeles. It's the kind of weather that makes you crave a good book.

And a lazy brunch.

Perhaps this light and easy frittata recipe will please both hemispheres.

Those in bikinis, and those snug in UGGs .

Karina xo

Gluten free dairy free frittata with brown rice penne by Karina

Karina's Elegant + Easy Pasta Frittata Recipe

Recipe posted June 2011.

As long time readers know, I love baking a frittata with leftover spaghetti. So fabulous. But truth be told, penne might be nudging its non-traditional way into my culinary heart. This perky tubular noodle makes a perfect bite of eggy-pasta goodness. Use non-dairy sour cream or the real deal. Both are fabulous.

Ingredients:

6 large organic free-range eggs
1/2 cup dairy/non-dairy sour cream
Sea Salt and ground pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons snipped fresh chives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint
Olive oil
1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper
2 cups gluten-free penne, cooked just to al dente

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Whisk the eggs with the sour cream till frothy. Season to taste with sea salt, parsley, chives, and mint. Set aside.

Lightly oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Place it on medium heat and cook the red and yellow pepper for 4-5 minutes, until slightly browned and softened.

Add the cooked brown rice penne to the skillet, and stir gently to combine it with the peppers, arranging the penne evenly in the pan.

Quickly pour the egg mixture all over the penne pasta and peppers. Using a small spatula or spoon, shimmy the pasta a bit to allow the egg mixture to seep in and around each piece.

After a minute or so on medium heat, remove the skillet from the stove and place it in the center of a preheated oven. Bake the frittata for about 20 minutes, until the frittata is set in the center, and golden brown around the edges. Use a thin knife to check the center for doneness, if you like.

Allow the frittata to cool for a few minutes before serving (this makes it much easier to slice).

More Dairy Options:

Try Greek yogurt. Add 4 oz organic goat cheese, feta, or shredded cheese on the top.

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: Makes 4 hearty servings. Serves 6 as a side dish.