Persian Herb Frittata

Total Time
2 hours
Rating
4(95)
Notes
Read community notes

This beautiful, verdant Persian-style frittata is made from a recipe that at first glance looks ridiculous. It’s not the list of ingredients, which sound fresh and lovely with heaps of parsley, cilantro, scallions and lettuce. It’s the last line, Step No. 4, which calls for cooking one side of the frittata 40 minutes, then flipping it over, and cooking the other side 40 more minutes.

In the interminable 80 minutes that it cooks, several things happen. The vegetables give up their moisture, the frittata shrinks in height by two-thirds, and the outside becomes a slightly crisp, dark, golden brown — without burning. —Elaine Louie

Featured in: The Temporary Vegetarian: Persian Herb Frittata

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Ingredients

Yield:4 large appetizers
  • ½cup barberries
  • 1cup (about 4 ounces) chopped parsley
  • 1cup (about 4 ounces) chopped cilantro
  • 1cup (about 4 ounces) chopped scallions, white part only
  • cups (about 6 large leaves) chopped romaine lettuce
  • 4large eggs
  • 2teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2teaspoons black pepper
  • ½cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • ½cup olive oil
  • Yogurt for serving, optional.
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

485 calories; 42 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 23 grams monounsaturated fat; 11 grams polyunsaturated fat; 19 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 11 grams sugars; 12 grams protein; 505 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, soak the barberries in cold water for 20 minutes. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the parsley, cilantro, scallions and romaine lettuce; combine in a large mixing bowl.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, salt and pepper. Whisk just until frothy. Drain the barberries, making sure to discard any small stones.

  3. Step 3

    Place an 11-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and heat until shimmering. Add the beaten eggs, barberries and walnuts to the chopped greens. Mix well, and pour into skillet, spreading it evenly. Cover the pan, and cook until set, about 10 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Uncover skillet and divide the frittata into four wedges, separating them from one another slightly so that the liquid from the frittata can evaporate. Reduce the heat to low, and cook uncovered until the underside is browned, about 40 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Turn the frittata over, one wedge at a time. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil inside the edge of the skillet and between each wedge. Continue to cook uncovered until the underside is browned and the frittata is compact and crisp on both sides, an additional 40 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature, with yogurt on the side, if desired.

Ratings

4 out of 5
95 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

I have some comments that could be helpful:
1- This is called KouKou or KouKou Sabzi (means green), could be originally an Armenian dish.
2-We have cooked it using baby spinach or Kale leaf instead of other herbs, as well
3-Better to use a food mixer or grinder, the more granular the herbs the better, and keep the juice as well.
4-Other variants are Potatos (KouKou Sibzamini), Potato with sugar (kouKou Ghandi) and Eggplant( KouKou Bademjan)

You could try cranberries, but a lot of people make it without barberry as well. Hope that is helpful

Is there a substitute for the barberries, something not readily available in your typical grocery store?

You could try cranberries, but a lot of people make it without barberry as well. Hope that is helpful

I have some comments that could be helpful:
1- This is called KouKou or KouKou Sabzi (means green), could be originally an Armenian dish.
2-We have cooked it using baby spinach or Kale leaf instead of other herbs, as well
3-Better to use a food mixer or grinder, the more granular the herbs the better, and keep the juice as well.
4-Other variants are Potatos (KouKou Sibzamini), Potato with sugar (kouKou Ghandi) and Eggplant( KouKou Bademjan)

Private notes are only visible to you.

Credits

Adapted from Nasim Alikhani

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