Asparagus and Mushroom Quinoa Frittata

Frittatas are one of my favorite go-to quick dinners when I am scrambling to get dinner together on a busy weeknight. Not only is it easy to prepare and clean up, but it can also be made with virtually any combination of veggies, grains, and protein you have on hand. It's also packed with protein and the leftovers are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts and lunches.

Although most of the frittatas I make are part of an effort to clean out the fridge (since you can dump almost anything in them), when spring hits, asparagus is my favorite thing to add.

Not only is asparagus sweeter and grassier in the spring when it's in season, but it's also affordable and readily available at farmer's markets and grocery stores. Paired with mushrooms, eggs, and quinoa - it makes a satisfying, hearty, and healthy frittata that you will love.

Now let's talk about the best way to make a frittata. In my opinion, you have to add dairy when making a frittata. It's what gives the frittata its creamy, custardy texture. Whether you add milk, cream, or even cottage cheese, this is key for that luscious texture. 

Why We Love This Quinoa Frittata

• Great for meal prep: This meal is great for meal prep since it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Just let it cool before storing it in the fridge. Plus it can be eaten cold, at room temperature, or warmed up.
• Versatile: Consider this recipe as a blueprint for making any type of veggie-packed frittata. Swap in different veggies, add herbs, add cooked protein, try a different grain, or add some cheese. It all works!
• Packed with protein: Between the eggs and quinoa, this recipe has 16 grams of protein in every slice. That means it will keep you energized and full.
• Whole grains: Many frittatas lack fiber since they generally do not contain grains. With the addition of quinoa, this frittata will definitely keep you full from a combination of fiber, healthy fat, and protein. 
• Lots of veggies: With over 3 cups of veggies, this frittata is packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients. 

Recipe Ideas and Tips

• Add cheese: This frittata is delicious with cheese. Consider adding some feta cheese, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
• Try new vegetables: Instead of mushrooms and asparagus, make this with any cooked vegetables you like. Consider trying zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, cauliflower, or butternut squash.
• Make it into muffins: If you prefer a portable frittata, consider making these into muffins like these tasty quinoa egg muffins.
• Add herbs: Adding fresh herbs to frittatas is one of the easiest way to elevate a simple frittata into something worthy of a special occasion.  Think about adding chives, basil, dill, or oregano. 
• Boost the flavor: Want to really kick things up? Add olives, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. 

Best Way to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa is extremely easy to cook and much less finicky than rice. Start by using a ratio of 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water. Add the quinoa and water to a pot. Bring to a boil. Then turn down to a simmer and cover the pot. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but do not uncover. Let sit for 5 minutes and then fluff the quinoa with a fork.