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Spanish Tortilla with Peppers and Spring Onions

A thick, golden Spanish tortilla of gently cooked potatoes, onion and red pepper set in eggs with spring onions and served with a quick fresh tomato salsa. Great warm or cold for lunch.

Lunch

60

Serves 4 (2 wedges each)

A golden Spanish tortilla in a cast iron pan, cut into eight wedges, surrounded by chopped tomato, spring onions and tortilla chips

Ingredients

  • 500g/1lb 2oz waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte or Yukon Gold (all-purpose), peeled and very thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion (about 150g/5oz), thinly sliced
  • 1 red pepper (bell pepper, about 150g/5oz once deseeded), thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
  • 6 medium eggs (US large)
  • 3 spring onions (scallions, about 45g/1½oz), sliced: 2 for the tortilla, 1 for the salsa
  • Half a tsp salt and black pepper
  • For the salsa
  • 200g/7oz ripe tomatoes, finely chopped, with a pinch of salt
  • A handful of plain corn tortilla chips, to serve (optional; check the label if you need them gluten-free)

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a 24cm/9½in non-stick or well-seasoned frying pan (skillet) over a medium-low heat. Add the potatoes, onion and pepper with half the salt, cover and cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning now and then, until the potatoes are completely tender but not crisp.
  2. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a large bowl with the rest of the salt, some pepper and two-thirds of the spring onions.
  3. Tip the hot potato mixture into the eggs, leaving any excess oil in the pan, and stir gently. Leave for 5 minutes.
  4. Reheat the pan over a medium-low heat, pour in the mixture and press it level. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, running a spatula round the edge now and then, until the base is golden and only the top is still slightly liquid.
  5. Put a large plate over the pan, carefully turn the tortilla out onto it, then slide it back into the pan, cooked side up. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes more, until set all the way through: a knife pushed into the centre should come out clean, with no liquid egg.
  6. Mix the tomatoes with the remaining spring onion and a pinch of salt. Cut the tortilla into 8 wedges and serve 2 each, warm or at room temperature, with the salsa and a few tortilla chips, if you like. Leftovers keep, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Why it works

Two wedges give you about 13g of protein for 337 calories. A Spanish tortilla is one of the simplest vegetarian lunches: just potatoes, onion, eggs and olive oil.

Lighter than the traditional way. Classic tortillas often cook the potatoes in a large amount of oil. Here they are cooked gently, covered, in 3 tablespoons of olive oil, so you know exactly how much oil goes in.

The secret to a thick, creamy tortilla. Soaking the hot potatoes in the beaten eggs for 5 minutes before cooking helps the mixture hold together. Cook over a low heat so the inside sets before the base burns.

How to flip it. Use a plate larger than the pan, hold it firmly over the top and turn in one confident movement. Slide it back in to cook the other side.

Not tagged for blood sugar, because the potatoes bring 26g of carbohydrate. Contains egg. For another egg dish, try the Mediterranean vegetable frittata.