When St. Patrick's Day comes around — Sunday, if you haven't checked the calendar — I start to think about an Irish-inspired dinner. Here's a quick, festive one that includes sausage, potatoes, eggs and the secret ingredient that brings out the flavors: beer.
The addition of Irish soda bread completes the meal.
HELPFUL HINTS
› Any type of bread can be used.
› Any sausage can be used.
› Any type of beer can be used.
SHOPPING LIST
› To buy: 1/2 pound red or yellow potatoes, 1 bottle skim milk, 1 package sausage links (about 3 ounces each), 1 bunch chives, 1 small leek, 1 bottle beer, 1 loaf Irish soda bread (or other bread).
› Staples: olive oil, eggs, salt and black peppercorns.
Irish-Inspired Frittata
1/2 pound red or yellow potato cubes (about 2 cups)
4 whole eggs
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 sausage links (about 3 ounces each)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup sliced white and pale green parts of leek
1/2 cup beer
2 slices Irish soda bread (or other bread)
Heat the broiler. Wash potatoes — but do not peel — and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high 2 minutes. Set aside. Whisk eggs and milk together, and add chives and salt and pepper to taste. Cut sausage links into 1/4-inch slices. Heat oil in a large skillet, and add the sausage slices, leek and potatoes. Saute 4 to 5 minutes. Add beer, and cook to reduce. Add egg mixture, lower heat to medium and cook 10 minutes, until the mixture starts to set. Place under broiler about 6 inches from the heat. Broil 2 minutes to brown top. Watch to make sure it browns and doesn't burn. Serve with Irish soda bread or any bread.
Yield 2 servings.
Per serving: 576 calories (38% from fat), 24.3 grams fat (5.9 grams saturated, 9.9 grams monounsaturated), 459 milligrams cholesterol, 35.6 grams protein, 50.5 grams carbohydrates, 3.4 grams fiber, 968 milligrams sodium.
— By Linda Gassenheimer
Linda Gassenheimer is the author of over 30 cookbooks, including her newest, "The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook."