Frtalja – Slovenian Herb Frittata

Frtalja (it. Frittata, sometimes egg omelet) is a basic rustic Slovene cuisine. It is an egg dish that is particularly known in Primorska cuisine. In other regions of Slovenia, it is known as an omelet, kaiserschmarrn, or pancake, although frtalja is distinct from all three. Omelets and pancakes are thin and spread, while kaiserschmarrn is a shredded pancake, although neither dough contains herbs.

Frtalja is shaped like a cake and is about 3 centimeters tall. The dough is mixed with herbs, vegetables, or dried meat (sliced sausage or prosciutto). Frtalja was once a required dish on May 1st (Volji grad, Temnica), possibly due to the superstition that first frtalja chases vipers away. Fennel is commonly used in the first frtalja.

Today, frtalja are a part of the catering menu since they are quick to prepare, juicy, flavorful, and vary in flavor. It can be served as an appetizer alongside cold cuts, as a standalone meal with a sauce, or as a side dish alongside the roast. It is typically consumed as a hearty snack or as a travel ration on longer excursions and hikes.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs, ca 5 Tsp whole wheat flour (add more if needed), 50 ml sparkling water, 1 bundle of cilantro, 2 green chilis, 2 spring onions, a handful of dill, half a bundle of chives, 2 Tbsp of parmesan pieces, salt and pepper

Instructions

• To begin, take a bowl and beat the eggs in it. Add the sparkling water, salt and pepper. Then, add the flour, little by little. Use a hand mixer to combine the ingredients well together. Continue mixing until smooth, slightly thick but not runny.
• Furthermore, wash and drain all the greens (cilantro, spring onions, chilis, dill and chives) that goes in the frtalja. At this point, roughly chop them and stir them into the batter and give it a stir to combine all the ingredients.
• Prepare a big frying pan and heat some oil in it. Only when the pan gets hot, pour in half of the mixture. You can do a test with one drop of the mixture. If there are some small bubbles around it, it is ready.
• Pour the mixture into the pan and by tilting the pan, spread the batter around it (just like you would do with a pancake). Then, add some parmesan pieces and cover for a couple of minutes. Once the batter gets firmer and starts to “dry”, it is time to turn it around. Carefully but quickly flip it over and cook for another 3 minutes or till golden brown.
• Finally, transfer the frtalja to a cutting board or plate and cut it into triangles. You can serve it either warm or cold, which makes it a great snack as well. Also, it pairs well with a yogurt dip or any other refreshing dip of your choice.