Quick fix: Spanish-style omelet is a tasty vegetarian dinner

Spanish-style omelet. / Photo by Linda Gassenheimer/TNS
Spanish-style omelet. / Photo by Linda Gassenheimer/TNS

This is a quick and easy take on a traditional Spanish omelet (also called tortilla). It's a traditional dish from Spain made with eggs and potatoes. I added cheese, tomatoes, scallions and smoked paprika to make a tasty vegetarian dinner. It can be served hot or at room temperature, making the omelet perfect for a do-ahead meal.

HELPFUL HINTS

* Any type of hard cheese can be used.

* Red or yellow potatoes can be used instead of Yukon Gold.

SHOPPING LIST

* To buy: 3/4 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/4 pound manchego cheese, 1 bunch scallions, 1 bottle smoked paprika, 1 medium tomato and 1 bunch chives (optional garnish).

* Staples: olive oil, eggs, salt and black peppercorns.

Spanish-Style Omelet

3/4 pound Yukon gold potatoes (about 2 1/2 cups cubed)

2 whole eggs

4 egg whites

1/4 pound grated manchego

1 cup sliced scallions

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium tomato cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional garnish)

Heat broiler. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch pieces with skin on. Place in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave 5 minutes on high. Mix whole eggs, egg whites, cheese, scallions and smoked paprika together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat oil in a medium-size nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes, and sauté 3 minutes. Add egg mixture, spreading evenly to all edges of the skillet and making sure tomatoes are completely covered with the egg mixture. Let set 1 minute. Place the skillet under the broiler about 5 inches from the heat for 5 minutes. The top should be golden and mixture set. Remove from broiler, and sprinkle chives on top. Slide out of the skillet, divide in half and serve on 2 dinner plates.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 481 calories (45 percent from fat), 24.1 grams fat (12.3 grams saturated, 8.1 grams monounsaturated), 226 milligrams cholesterol, 32.6 grams protein, 35.7 grams carbohydrates, 5.6 grams fiber, 525 milligrams sodium.

- Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

Linda Gassenheimer is the author of over 30 cookbooks, including her newest, "The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook." Email her at Linda@DinnerInMinutes.com.

Upcoming Events