Take winter squash to the next level with this heavenly brunch or breakfast hit

Cooktop Cove: Take winter squash to the next level with this heavenly brunch or breakfast hit

By Matt Jenner

If you're looking to prepare a special dish for breakfast or brunch, this winter squash frittata fits the bill. Thinly sliced delicata squash roast and then join a skillet-baked frittata with onion. The edges of the frittata get crispy in the skillet and provide a wonderful texture and flavor contrast with the rest of the dish. This dish could also be made using butternut squash, but that needs to be peeled. Unlike the delicata, butternut squash skin is inedible.

This recipe uses a unique blend of spices and herbs. Fill this frittata with more vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms or carrots, for even more flavor and texture. Any number of sauces or aiolis could enhance the frittata, but the dish offers so much flavor that you'll even enjoy eating it plain. Impress a weekend guest or make this on a lazy Sunday morning.

Winter Squash Frittata

6 to 8

25 minutes

35 minutes

1 hour

2 squash, about 1 1/2 pounds

2 tablespoons and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

12 large eggs

1/4 cup tarragon leaves, chopped

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

2 cups kale or spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

Heat the oven to 300 F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Slice the squash crosswise in pieces 1/4 inch thick.

Toss slices in 2 tablespoons olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until the delicata is tender, but not too browned, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and set aside to cool. Leave the oven on.

In a large bowl, add the eggs, tarragon and saffron mixture. Stir until eggs are beaten.

Add remaining olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.

Add onion to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until onions start to soften, but not turn brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Add kale or spinach to the skillet. Stir and allow to cook just until the veggie starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.

Add the roasted squash and toss to incorporate into the vegetables.

Add a large pinch of salt to the egg mixture, and pour into the skillet.

Using a rubber spatula, stir and cook the eggs, forming the frittata in a round, even shape. Press down on the frittata to get a golden brown crust on the bottom and around the edges, 5 to 7 minute.

Transfer the skillet to the oven, and allow to cook for another 20 minutes until edges start to brown and the eggs are fully set.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool 5 minutes.

Carefully loosen the sides of the frittata and slide it out onto a large serving platter. Cut and serve individual slices using a pie slicer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.