Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (2024)

Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (1)

Yia-sas (Hello) from a not so sunny Greece

Apologies for the lack of email last week, I think I got a bit too relaxed here in Kalamata and in the holiday mode despite the weather here not being quite as good as we expected. It rains most days which is very unusual for this time of year.

Not that I’m complaining as it is warmer here than back home and I don’t like it too hot. This break is supposed to be more like getting a feel of living in a different country for a short time rather than a full-on holiday. I have managed to swim in the sea most days something I definitely would not be doing in the UK so I am happy.

Last week I posted the above image of a tortilla we had for our lunch on Instagram and someone asked me for the recipe. It is a dish I have made many, many times and was basically my Easy Spanish Tortilla/Omelette which is puiblished on Recipes Made Easy. This time I had added some chopped dill, a herb that is used a lot in Greek cooking and it was a delicious addition.

Anyway that made me think now would be great time to share my recipes for Tortilla and Frittata as they make great meals for warmer days.

Until next time.

Have a delicious week.

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Is Frittata simply the Italian name for what the Spanish would call a tortilla, or what we Brits refer to as an omelette? To satisfy my curiosity, I did a little research.

The word "frittata" in Italian comes from "friggere," which roughly translates to "fried." Originally, it was a general term for cooking eggs in a frying pan or skillet.

More recently, "frittata" has become a term for a deeper omelette with at least one additional ingredient mixed with the eggs before cooking. Unlike a conventional omelette, where the ingredients are added on top of a cooked omelette before folding.

In a frittata, the eggs may be whisked to incorporate more air compared to a traditional omelette, resulting in a deeper filling and a fluffier outcome. The mixture is then cooked over low heat, taking more time than an omelette, until the underside is set while the top remains slightly runny. It can be flipped, grilled briefly to set the top layer, or even baked. (source: Wikipedia)

So, essentially, a frittata is a flavourful, deep omelette. But how does it differ from a tortilla?

According to The Gormandmum, the main difference lies in how the eggs are finished. A tortilla is always cooked entirely on the stovetop, while a frittata is often finished in the oven.

Now, it's worth mentioning that this differs slightly from the Wikipedia definition, as there are variations in tortilla recipes. While a traditional tortilla is indeed cooked on the stovetop, I've come across many baked tortilla recipes as well, including my own Baked Tortilla.

So, we can conclude that a frittata and a tortilla are, in fact, really quite similar.

While both dishes involve eggs and cooking in a similar manner, the primary differences lie in their specific ingredients, preparation techniques, and cultural origins. Yet outside their native speaking country the names are almost interchangeable.

In the end, whether you're making a frittata, tortilla, or calling it an omelette, what matters most is creating a delicious dish that suits your taste and preferences. So go ahead, follow the recipes or experiment as I do. Call it what you will and enjoy the culinary journey creating a delicious dish that suits your taste and preferences.

Easy Spanish Tortilla

Easy Spanish Tortilla - Potato and Onion Omelette - makes a great midweek meal. Ideal for using up leftover cooked potatoes, or you can cook the potatoes from scratch to make this simple, quick and very, very tasty dish!

Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (3)

Spanish Tortilla Recipe

Pea and Spring Onion Frittata

This pea and spring onion frittata is ideal for lunch or a midweek evening meal. Delicious served hot or cold.

Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (4)

Frittata Recipe

Baked Tomato, Spinach and Mozzarella Tortilla

Perfect served hot or cold, this Baked Tomato, Spinach and Mozzarella Tortilla is nutritious, delicious and very easy to make.

Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (5)

Baked Tortilla Recipe

Have you seen?

Frozen Strawberry Greek Yogurt Lollies

Made with creamy Greek yogurt and juicy strawberries, these delightful treats are a healthier alternative to most ice creams and lollies.

Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (6)

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Is it a Tortilla, Frittata or Omelette? (2024)

FAQs

Is a frittata just an omelette? ›

While it's similar to an omelet, crustless quiche, and Spanish tortilla, the way a frittata is cooked is what sets it apart. Frittatas are generally thicker than omelets. A frittata is made with the exact same ingredients as an omelet, but here, the milk, or more preferably, cream, is crucial.

Is it frittata or tortilla? ›

The Frittata (Italian) and the Tortilla (Spanish) are very similar. The main difference between them seems to be how the eggs are finished. Both begin with the filling and the eggs, cooked on a hob in a frying pan. The frittata is traditionally finished in the oven and the tortillas are flipped and finished on the hob.

What's the difference between tortilla and omelette? ›

The word tortilla, which is the diminutive form of torta, literally means 'small cake'. In European Spanish and in some variants of Latin American Spanish, it means omelette. A potato omelette is a tortilla de patatas or papas.

What's healthier, frittata or omelette? ›

But unlike omelets, egg frittatas can serve a family fast. And unlike most egg recipes, a four-serving frittata cooks all at once without any flipping or fuss. Plus, since there's no crust (like quiches), it makes it a healthier breakfast option.

What is the difference between omelette and omelet? ›

"Omelet" or "Omelette": Which Is Correct? Both omelet and omelette refer to a food made of beaten eggs heated in a pan, usually with meat, vegetables, and other fillings folded into the eggs. Neither spelling is wrong. Omelette is simply preferred in British English, but omelet is more common in American English.

Is a quiche just an omelette? ›

The traditional cooking methods used also set quiches, frittatas, and omelets apart. Quiches are typically baked in the oven; omelets are cooked-over stovetop heat and folded over (with the center most often left custardy and not quite set).

Do you eat frittata hot or cold? ›

You can serve frittatas straight from the oven or cold — both are delicious. You can even reheat leftovers for a minute in the microwave. Cooked frittatas store well, wrapped in the refrigerator for two to three days. We don't recommend freezing them since the freezer changes the texture of the dish.

Does a frittata have a crust? ›

Crust: A quiche has crust while a frittata does not. Sometimes, quiche is baked without crust.

What to eat with tortilla omelette? ›

Like I said earlier, this Spanish omelette recipe is often served as a tapa in Spain along with other nibbles and drinks. But it makes an equally satisfying brunch or even dinner next to a salad such as: lemony arugula salad; tomato salad; bean salad; or even a big Mediterranean chickpea salad.

What is a runny omelette called? ›

Omelette baveuse • Runny omelette.

What is another name for frittata? ›

A frittata, also known as a crustless quiche, is a creamy, savory egg custard baked with any combination of fillings, usually vegetables and meat.

Is it okay to eat an omelet every day? ›

The bottom line: an egg a day shouldn't put you over the edge, especially if you're eating leaner cuts of protein and plant-based protein, rather than relying solely on red meat. If you have a heart-related condition, being aware of your saturated fat intake is more important.

What is the healthiest cheese for an omelette? ›

Cheeses like feta, cottage cheese and swiss cheese are healthy sources of protein and calcium. So, ditch processed cheeses and opt for these healthier alternatives. Similarly, add boiled and shredded chicken or turkey to your omelette, instead of going for red meat additions like bacon bits.

Which is better for weight loss boiled eggs or omelette? ›

Here's the answer. If you're looking to shed some extra pounds, then it's best to have boiled eggs. You don't have to worry about any additional fat or calories from any outside substance other than eggs. However, omelettes are a delightful way to enjoy eggs, and the possibilities for fillings are endless.

What defines a frittata? ›

Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an omelette or crustless quiche or scrambled eggs, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables. The word frittata is Italian and roughly translates to 'fried'. Frittata. Type. Omelette.

Is a frittata just a crustless quiche? ›

Origin: Frittata is an Italian dish whereas quiche is a French dish. Crust: A quiche has crust while a frittata does not. Sometimes, quiche is baked without crust. Base Ingredients: While both frittatas and quiches are made with eggs, quiche is made with an egg custard, which also includes cream or milk.

What's the difference between a frittata and a Spanish omelette? ›

Frittata can be made with virtually any set of veggies and eggs (spinach frittata is one I make often), while a Spanish omelette is made of: eggs, potatoes, onions, olive oil, and a dash of salt (I add a pinch of sweet paprika, but that is just my personal preference).

Is an omelette 2 or 3 eggs? ›

Eggs: Just 2 large eggs are needed for cooking up the perfect omelette with an 8-inch pan. If you've got a 10-inch pan, 3 eggs are ideal. Filling: The world is your oyster when it comes to omelette fillings!

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