Pan-Fried Potato Frittata with Tomato: Grandma’s Recipe

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The pan-fried potato frittata with tomato is a simple and tasty recipe, just like those from the past.
A dish that never misses at my home and that we call the “grandma’s frittata,” because it encloses all the flavor of homemade cooking made with few ingredients and much love.
The soft potatoes join a rich sauce of onion and tomato, with a spicy note that makes this pan-fried potato frittata even more flavorful and irresistible.

The preparation is easy and quick: while the potatoes boil, prepare the sauce, then combine everything and cook in a pan until you get a delicious crust on the surface.
Perfect as a vegetarian main course, but also cut into squares for a tasty appetizer or a homemade aperitif, this tomato potato frittata is delicious both hot and at room temperature.

Also ideal to take with you for a lunch break or a day trip.
A rustic, versatile and always welcomed recipe, just like this pan-fried potato frittata passed down in the family.

pan-fried potato frittata with a slice served
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: Very economical
  • Preparation time: 20 Minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 Minutes
  • Portions: 4
  • Cooking methods: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: All seasons

🧾 INGREDIENTS

To prepare the pan-fried potato frittata with tomato you need a few simple ingredients, the ones we often already have at home, for a tasty and flavorful result.

  • 1 lb 5 oz lb/oz potatoes (boiled)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • chili pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • salt
  • 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

🍳 TOOLS

To make this pan-fried potato frittata you only need a few kitchen utensils, ideal for an easy and quick preparation.

  • 1 Potato masher
  • 1 Pan
  • 1 Lid

👩‍🍳 METHOD

Preparing the pan-fried potato frittata with tomato is simple and quick: just follow a few steps to get a rustic, tasty dish perfect for any occasion.

  • Let’s make the sauce
    In a pan, sauté plenty of sliced onion with olive oil and chili pepper. When the onion is nicely golden, add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and let cook for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

    onion and tomato soffritto for pan-fried potato frittata
  • Boil and mash the potatoes
    Meanwhile, boil the potatoes, drain them and mash them while still hot with a fork or a potato masher.

    boiled potatoes mashed for pan-fried potato frittata
  • Combine everything
    Pour the sauce into the mashed potatoes and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous and well-seasoned mixture. Adjust salt if necessary.

    mixture of potatoes and tomato for pan frittata
  • Cook in the pan
    Transfer the mixture into a well-oiled pan, level the surface and cook over medium-high heat until a crust forms on the bottom.

    pan-fried potato frittata cooking in the pan
  • Flip the frittata
    Using a lid or a plate, flip the frittata and put it back in the pan.

    pan-fried potato frittata with tomato just cooked
  • Add the Parmesan
    Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan over the surface and continue cooking until it slightly melts.
    Finish cooking
    Let the other side cook as well until you get a golden crust. The frittata is ready!

    potato frittata with Parmesan in the pan

🍽️ Final notes

The pan-fried potato frittata with tomato is one of those simple recipes that always manage to win everyone over. Rustic, tasty and versatile, it is perfect for any occasion: as a main course, for a tasty starter or cut into squares for a homemade aperitif.

You can enjoy it just made, when it’s still hot and fragrant, but it is also great at room temperature — its flavor even becomes more pronounced. For this reason it is also ideal to prepare in advance and take with you for an outdoor lunch or a trip.

A genuine, economical and easy-to-make recipe, just like grandma’s, that never goes out of style and is always worth making again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions about the pan-fried potato frittata

  • Can I prepare the pan-fried potato frittata in advance?

    Yes, the pan-fried potato frittata with tomato is perfect also if prepared in advance. You can store it in the refrigerator and serve it at room temperature: it will be even more flavorful.

  • How can I avoid the frittata breaking when I flip it?

    To easily flip the frittata, use a lid or a flat plate slightly larger than the pan. Place it on top, flip decisively and then slide the frittata back into the pan.

  • Can the frittata be frozen?

    Yes, you can freeze it already cooked and cut into portions. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator and reheat it in a pan or oven to bring the surface back to a slight golden crisp.

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Debora

"In Cucina con Zia Debby" is a blog featuring quick and easy recipes designed for those seeking reliable dishes, explained clearly and with accessible ingredients. From sweet to savory, the blog offers step-by-step tutorials, practical tips, and ideas for every occasion. It's perfect for those who want tried-and-tested recipes, immediate and optimized for simple and tasty everyday cooking.

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