Frittata Gran Paradiso and a Luxurious Rosé
A study of complementary wine and food pairing
After tasting several Roses last week I was struck by how perfect each one would be for a specific dish I had in mind. Some were obviously light and bright, perfect for salad or seafood; others had some real depth and heft, making them the right choice for chicken or pork dishes. One wine really made me think, it was lightly smoky, putting me in a bacony state of mind. It was also so soft and luxurious that I could easily see it being dominated by assertive dishes so my thoughts ran to like foods. After all, one of the food and wine paring principles I adhere to is to either compliment or contrast the wine and food. This was definitely a case for complimenting.
And then it hit me. This wine was a brunch wine, a wonderful way to greet the day with a nice quiche, or in my case frittata. A touch of bacon, a touch of Italian Fontina and we were on our way. Smoky to smoky, soft and luxurious to soft and luxurious. Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a winner.
What to expect: Rosé
Rosé wines are made from red grapes that have had the period of "skin contact" reduced to limit the extraction of color, tannin and certain flavoring compounds. The results range from barely copper colored to vividly ruby toned, light bodied wines with crisp fruit flavors that often recall watermelon and red berried fruit.
Being of Italian origin I tend to prefer the Italian version of many French dishes, Pizza instead of Pissadaliere, Pesto in place of Pistou, and a an easy Frittata in place of a Quiche.
Being practical I also see the value in keeping some of the elements of a recipe that has proven to work. In this case bacon and cheese, the stuff that makes that Quiche Lorraine so Lorraine They are a natural match for a quick and easy preparation.
I usually have some Italian Fontina lying around but you should feel comfortable with any cheese you prefer. Following the technique of the recipe is more important than using the exact ingredients, so be creative and create the Frittata that will make you happy. This version makes me happy and in a nod, almost, to France I’ve named this frittata: Gran Paradiso.
Frittata Gran Paradiso
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper
- pinch of salt
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup crumbled or cut bacon, (fry off the bacon to your liking before measuring it)
- 1 cup Italian Fontina cheese, shredded
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
Technique
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs, black pepper and salt together.
- Heat a 12-inch sauté pan, over medium heat. When it’s hot add the butter and allow it to melt. When the butter has begun to simmer add the bacon and toss to coat, then add the egg mixture.
- With a wooden spoon stir the cheese and green onions into the egg mixture. Continue stirring until the bottom of the mixture begins to set.
- Remove the sauté pan from the stove and place it in the top third of the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minute or until the eggs are firm.
- Allow the frittata to cool somewhat before plating so that it firms up slightly.
Pairing a soft and luxurious wine with a soft and luxurious dish
This frittata has the soul of a Quiche Lorraine yet forgoes the crust and turns out to be an easy compliment to Sunday brunch or a great addition to a buffet meal. I prefer to serve the frittata still warm from the oven. The aromas of bacon and aromatic Fontina val d’Aostana can be absolutely intoxicating and are worth the minimal effort required for this dish.
