Saturday, June 23, 2007

Spanish Omelet

I made this Tuesday. I am trying to do better with the photography and now maybe video!

The omelet was very tasty although I would have liked more saffron flavor to have come through. DH's version was very close to the recipe as posted just no onions. My version, cooked separately, had onion but was not put in an omelet but served over steamed kale. I love kale- the filling was great on its own and I had the leftovers for lunch minus the kale (and egg!)

4 1/2 flamingos for taste and ease for both DH and I.

Spanish Omelet with Peas, Potatoes, and Saffron
A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen

Salt
1/2 pound red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 pound peas in pod, shelled (about 2/3 cup)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled between your fingers
6 large eggs
freshly ground black pepper

Bring about 1 quart water to boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add salt to taste and the potatoes and cook until the potatoes are just beginning to soften but are not at all mushy, about 7 minutes. Add the peas and continue to cook until the veggies are barely tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. (I used a regular skillet and it didn't stick.) Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. (If the onion starts to brown, lower the heat.) Add the saffron and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute. Set the pan asite to let the onions cool slightly.

With a fork, beat the eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and several grindings of pepper together in a medium bowl until well combined. Beat in the peas, potatoes, and onions, scraping the skillet as clean as possible.

Move an oven rack to the top position and heat the broiler. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the empty skillet over medium-low heat. When the pan is hot, swirl the oil to coat the pan bottom evenly (and sides if using a reg skillet!). Add the egg mixture and cook, occasionally sliding a spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen the omelet, until the bottom of the omelet is golden brown and the eggs are runny just on top, about 8 minutes.

Place the pan directly under the broiler and cook just until the top is golden brown and set, 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent the omelet from burning.

Remove the pan from the broiler. The omelet can be cooled to room temp in the pan if desired. Once cooked, the omelet can be removed from the pan whole and chilled for several hours. Cut the omelet into wedges and serve.

This week's menus and CSA recipes

I had thought to post weekly menus and decided to well, do it! I liked the way I used the tortillas and eggs for two meals. My mom introduced me to a foodtv show by Robin Miller (I think) that emphasizes making extra of some things to use later in the week.

Sun- Tacos- mine was all veggie, no cheese. DH likes fake taco meat in his.

Mon- take out Chinese- I had mu shi veggies with no egg and DH had the chef's special chicken.

Tues- Spanish omelet- A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen I made double the filling and served mine over kale (no egg). Also served a side dish of green beans steamed and then seasoned with garlic.

Wed- lunch was the pea salad and a friend made cantalope soup. DH had leftover Spanish omelet.

Thurs- Mexican Eggs- Real Simple- I left out the egg and served chopped romaine and tomatoes over my tortilla spread with veggie refried beans. DH had the eggs and sprinkled some cheese over his.

In my CSA box that made for delightful breakfasts and lunches as well as dinners- radishes, beets, spinach, red leaf lettuce, zucchini, yellow squash, onions, peas, green beans, and the most delicious apricots! So far I am very very happy with my csa experience. I bought a half share and the amount is just right for me and the bit that DH will eat. There has been variety and the quality is excellent. Marge is wonderful and her veggies and fruit are grown chemical free. I have had 4 boxes and can't wait til 10 am today when I go pick up my fifth. I finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle yesterday and loved it. I started thinking about eating locally- this has been the buzz lately. I agree with trying to support local farmers especially those that are organic or chemical free but I also believe in trade. We are lucky to have Florida and California to grow veggies and fruits over a long growing season. I would definitely pass on those nasty winter tomatoes (I love eating the tomatoes and strawberries when I visit my mom in FL in the spring!!) but I do love my kale even when its not in season here. And I love my coffee and tea. I am so happy to have discovered Marge and her chemical free farm. There are two large farms near me that include pick your own but they are not organic. I think I have decided to eat locally as much as possible esp with the veggies- they do taste soooooo much better, but I will not limit my diet to 100 miles.

recipes using CSA veggies
sliced tomato with a light sprinkle of Penzey's Fox Point Seasoning
Pea Salad- foodwishes.com
Spanish Omelet- A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen
Garlicky Green Beans
Red Leaf Salad with Apricots
Spinach Salad
tacos- veggie version
Mexican Eggs- Real Simple- my veggie version
Zucchini Coins- Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone
Chickpea and Spinach Curry- Vegan with a Vegeance
beets- saving and hoping for more to can using an Alton Brown recipe