Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 2 cups (490 grams) liquid egg whites
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) low-fat cottage cheese (¾ for blending in and ¼ for dolloping)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) red onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup (115 grams) red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
Other
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Heat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9x9 (or 8x8) baking dish with cooking spray or a light film of oil, making sure to coat the sides and corners well.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large nonstick skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and a pinch of salt; cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add diced red bell peppers and cook 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet, toss all vegetables together, and turn off the heat. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach.
- Transfer Vegetables to Baking Dish: Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Blend Egg Mixture: In a blender, combine liquid egg whites, ¾ cup cottage cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Blend just until incorporated to avoid excessive foam.
- Pour Egg Mixture over Vegetables: Pour the blended egg mixture evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish. Gently nudge the mixture with a spatula to distribute it evenly.
- Add Toppings: Spoon small dollops of the remaining ¼ cup cottage cheese over the top, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes evenly across the surface.
- Bake the Frittata: Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until the frittata is puffed, the edges are lightly golden, and the center slightly jiggles when the pan is gently shaken. Insert a knife or toothpick to ensure no liquid egg remains; the texture should be moist but not runny.
- Cool and Set: Remove from oven and let the frittata cool to room temperature where it will deflate slightly and finish setting, making it easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice into 4 squares and serve with your favorite condiments and fresh fruit on the side for a complete breakfast experience.
- Alternate Mixing by Hand: In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning briskly for 10 seconds. Add 1/2 cup cottage cheese and whisk an additional 10-15 seconds to break up curds, leaving some small curds.
Notes
- For a fluffier texture, avoid over-blending the egg mixture to minimize foam.
- If desired, adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Use a 9x9-inch baking dish for a thicker frittata or an 8x8 for a slightly thinner one.
- Letting the frittata rest before slicing helps it set and improves texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat