Food prices have gone up by 5.3% since August 2020, and the average cost of food per month for one person eating only from home is about $250. But then you already knew that by observing your rising grocery bills. So what can the average thrifty soul do? Try some less expensive family dishes, and the Frugal Frittata is an excellent place to start.
If you aren't familiar with a "frittata," it is from Italian Cooking and is an omelet resembling a large pancake containing vegetables, seasonings, and often ricotta, Parmesan, or other cheese. It is made in a large nonstick skillet on the top of the stove, but
if you want to get fancy, it can be put under the broiler to give it a final finish. Here is a recipe I like to use when I have a good friend over for lunch.
Frugal Bacon Potato Frittata--serves 4 to 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
12 oz. potatoes unpeeled (2 medium), cut into 1/4 inch slices (about 2 cups)
6 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil, or 2 teaspoons dried crushed basil
salsa or dairy sour cream (optional)
In a large nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet. If the bacon doesn't produce 2 tablespoons of drippings, add olive oil. Add potato to reserved drippings. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, turning potato occasionally. You might need to add some water to steam it a bit if it seems too dry. (If potato browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium-low.)
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, pepper, and salt. Stir in Parmesan cheese, green onion, and basil; set aside.
Spread potato in even layer in skillet; sprinkle with bacon. Pour in egg mixture. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or just until the egg's surface sets. (If necessary, reduce heat to low to allow the center to cook through without overcooking the edges.) Cut into wedges. Serve with salsa or sour cream.
Set a lovely table and enjoy your frugal homecooked meal.
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Martha Wild King, M.Ed., Author
The Frugal Catholic: Learn to Live on Less to Give and Save More
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