Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Fritatta

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Fritatta


A few weeks ago I mentioned that until recently, I didn't own a nonstick pan. I was actually kind of surprised that so many people were surprised by this. When I had a roommate, I used her nonstick pan occasionally, but once I moved out, it was all stainless steel all the time. I had a variety of reason for not purchasing a pan and it took me a long time to find one that I wanted to get. Around that same time, CSN stores contacted me about doing a product review so I decided to use the opportunity to get the pan I had been coveting. I specifically chose the Cuisinart Green Gourmet pan because it's earth friendly and also a great little pan. It does not contain any of the harmful chemicals found in most nonstick pans and it's versatile. It goes from the stove top to the oven (it's also safe in the broiler) and can be heated up to 500 degrees. Plus, the biggest benefit of nonstick cooking is not having to add as much fat to your pan. I chose a smaller size pan because I cook in small batches. I have made everything from fried eggs to fish to pancakes in this pan. I totally love it and it has been a welcome addition in my tiny kitchen.


This past Sunday at the farmers market was a beautiful day. The sun was shining (sort of) and I got to spend time with great friends while we geeked out over cherries! There was also an Amy Poehler sighting, a viking sighting, and other randomness. All in all, a great morning! Most of the time when I go to the market, I have a specific list of things I want to buy. Once in a while, I just stroll through and pick up whatever looks good. This week it was strawberries, cherries, kale, carrots, arugula, and my beloved asparagus. If I could, I would probably eat roasted asparagus every night of the week, but sometimes I want to be a bit more adventurous. I broke out my new pan to make this meal. This fritatta is so good. The salty salmon and mild oniony flavor of the chives are great with the cream cheese. I dressed my arugula simply with a balsamic vinaigrette and paired this with a glass of crisp white wine which definitely helped me feel like I was eating in a classy restaurant instead of sitting home on my couch catching up on trashy TV.

Pan image from CSN Stores

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Fritatta
(By Esi)



Makes an 8-inch fritatta

8-10 spears pencil-thin asparagus, ends trimmed and cut in half
4 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons chives, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
2 ounces cream cheese, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
2 ounces very thinly sliced smoked salmon
Arugula for serving (optional)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Prepare an ice water bath. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the asparagus. Boil for 1-3 minutes until the asparagus is bright green but still crisp. Immediately plunge the asparagus into the ice bath to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, chives, dill, cream cheese, and season well with salt an pepper. In a nonstick skillet, add the egg mixture and cook until the eggs are set on the bottom. Arrange the asparagus on top of the eggs in whichever way you like.

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and cook until the top is set 15-20 minutes. Serve a wedge of the fritatta on top of salad with a slice of smoked salmon.

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10 comments:

Erica said...

CSN stores are very cool. Love that they offer such a wide range of products. You can find everything in one spot! This pan sounds fabulous- love that its green. Your farmers market sounds a little more lively than ours haha. Amy's never at my farmers market :) I need some more fresh asparagus in my life. The fritatta looks yummy. Happy Wednesday Esi

shaz said...

cool pick. I never used to own a non-stick pan either until I requested and was given one for Christmas. They're pretty handy things. Gorgeous fritatta, the salmon adds such prettiness.

Unknown said...

that does sound like a great pan! i have one fabulous nonstick, and some others i've inherited from the rents. love eggs. and asparagus, great meal!!

Janet said...

Looks delish! And I have that pan, in 2 sizes! :)

Joanne said...

I love my non-stick pan...can't cook without it! This one sounds like a winner.

Smoked salmon and I are very close friends...I love this frittata!

The Duo Dishes said...

If you have stainless steel, you can totally get away without having a non-stick. But now that you have one...bet you'll use it a lot!

Diana said...

I was among the shocked re: the nonstick pan! I only have nonstick pans! Which, now that I think about it, is actually kind of scary considering the chemicals... :-/

Jenn said...

Ain't it nice to have a non-stick pan around the house. :) Makes cooking a little easier.

Memória said...

What a nice pan! I love CSN; they really do have just about everything from HDMI cables to tea kettles, which are the items I was looking for today hahaha.

Your fritatta looks so fresh and healthy. YUM!

M. said...

I stopped making lists for my farmers market trips...I always end up with completely different things anyway :)

Fritatta looks amazing...asparagus and salmon.... always tasting great!