FRITTATA: BRUNCH FAVORITE !!

As I stare out of the window, its all wet, its all snowy and its all grey. So the late afternoon Latte tastes even better. Its Sunday and the weekend is on its lasts legs.

I had too many plans for this weekend. Its a different story that the weather Gods seemed to have another set of plans for us. We did pack in a lot of activity, despite the inclement weather and my apparent condition. So not much to regret about. With Sundays, come Brunches, and that makes everything better !! Brunches always create memories, and even re-kindle some good old ones.

I have my own set of favorite Brunching Joints, and also some Brunch Favorites. As I savored the last bit of my brunch today, I just thought that I should pen down about my all time Brunching Favorite: Frittata.

Silky eggs with a Parmesan crust, stuffed with vegetables, and other proteins, seasoned with some Chili flakes, baked to perfection.

Did you know, it pairs very well, with a dry white wine?! I am sure you did.

Doesnt it just shout out SUNDAY ! It does big time for me. So when the man whips up some Frittata on a cold and grey morning, it does bring a smile. Frittata is more than just a baked omelet. Its a one pot/pan meal in itself. Pretty heavy, a meal. I can never go beyond two slices.

The best thing about baking some frittata is that, one can play with the fillings according to one's choice. While you will need the share of eggs, the rest can be altered. So if you have spinach, throw in some, or if you prefer some sun dried tomatoes, that can also go in. If you are not a Parmesan fan, how about some Pecorino Romano or maybe some aged Gouda.

The man whips up  quite a few versions of it. But my favorite is the one, he made on one of our vacays. This particular Frittata had been whipped up by him, when we were relaxing at a log cabin in the Smoky Mountains,in Tennessee last summer. It was all too perfect. The green mountains, and the whiffs of smoky mist from the trees. The lovely cabin nestled in the hills, a hot tub overlooking it all, great food and not to forget the Man !! Irresistible !!

FRITTATA: 

Ingredients: 
Olive Oil : 4 tbsp
Potato: 2 large: Diced
Onion: 1 large: Chopped finely
Garlic: 3-4 cloves: Chopped finely
Spinach: 2 cups
Salt and Pepper: to taste
Eggs: 8 to 12 large eggs
Milk: 1/4 cup
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup: Grated
Crushed Red Pepper/Chili Flakes: 1 tsp
Bacon Strips: 2-4 : Chopped

Procedure: 

Pre-heat the oven to 350F.

Chop the veggies and keep them aside.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with some milk, red chili flakes, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, salt and pepper. Keep aside.

Heat oil in a skillet, and saute the potatoes, until they start changing color.

 Add in the onion, garlic and chopped bacon and saute for around 3-5 minutes. Add in the spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper.



Transfer the veggie mixture to a large baking dish, and then top with the egg mixture. Bake at 350F for around 10-15 minutes or until a knife inserted at the center comes out clean.

Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and place under the broiler. Broil until the top is golden brown, and lightly crusty.

Remove from the broiler and let it cool for around a couple of minutes. Cut into wedges and serve .

 Hope all of you whip up this Brunch favorite pretty soon and make Sundays even more memorable.

Bon Appetit !!

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SARASWATTOYI NOMOH !!!

Saraswati Pujo(the worship of the Goddess of Learning) always beings back fond memories of childhood. Pujo in the morning at home. Waking up really early, to help in the Pujo preps. Donning a yellow saree, which was kept in place by a multitude of safety pins, and often paired with a blouse, which was not our size(read: a few sizes always bigger). And yes, being officially off from lessons. Who can forget that.

Even after so many years, Saraswati Pujo kindles the same kind of excitement, although I am miles away from my homeland. Some routines never change for Bongs, no matter which part of the world they are in. 

So a new crisp saree, an early morning shower,and we were off for Pujo. The highlight of this year's Pujo, was the young priest. In a bid to involve the youngsters, it had been decided, to have the Pujo performed, by young Rishi, though under strict supervision. Donned in yellow, Rishi left us all enthralled. We had reached just in time, when all the ceremonies began.

With Pujo, comes the quintessential adda.

A few quick pictures for the family album ! Must say, Mashi was quite the head turner, despite, slogging at the kitchen since 5 am, to ensure all the Bhog was ready.

Then there was the call for Pushpanjali !

Then Prasad and Bhog !! I was so hungry by that time, that I forgot to take pictures. Khichuri, Bandha Kopir Tarkari, Luchi, Aloor Dom, papad, Chatni, Beguni and Payesh. And yes, Roshogolla. All from Mashi's kitchen. Everyone was lining up for second and third helping. Needless to say, Bhog was a super success.

Then it was time for the Kiddos to take the stage. They had us laughing, clapping and shouting out in glee.

There were those, who wanted to run away from stage, despite the efforts of their older siblings or mommies.

There were the seasoned performers !

And there were those who had the crowd shouting for an encore !!

By the time, the day rolled to an end, we were all saying, "Aschhe Bochhor Abar Hobe !" 

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