Tamale Frittata

So, if you’re reading this, I guess the world didn’t end. I guess that deserves a massive YIPPPEEE!

Anyhow, on to our regularly scheduled topic…

Growing up in New Mexico, we had some unique regional skews to our holiday traditions…from dried chile ristras and biscochitos cookies to green chile stew (note the use of chile, it’s how you can tell I’m actually from the Land of Enchantment). But the one thing that I looked forward to every Christmas was something my Aunt made: A Tamale Frittata. Like Veronica’s Mom’s Habanada, this dish came without fail as we patiently (HA) waited to open presents. Over the years, I started looking forward to the dish as much as the packages.

Now, that we split the holidays between my wife’s family and mine, we celebrate every other Christmas in California. So on those years, I make my own Tamale Frittata to bring to the festivities.

I can’t resist sharing the recipe with you because it’s just so dang good.

AUNTIE CAROL’S TAMALE FRITTATA

• 3 or 4 Tamales broken into bite-sized chunks (husks removed)

Note: Use your favorite vendor or Costco carries some good ones out here.

• Hatch (aka New Mexican) Green Chiles ~2 cans or 2 fresh chiles chopped

Note: I’ve found many of the grocery stores in California – including Trader Joe’s – carry a canned version of these in the Hispanic/International food aisle. They don’t pack the heat of the fresh stuff, but they get the flavor.

• 6-8 Eggs.

            Note: The number used depends on how egg-y you want it.

• Cheddar Cheese (grated)

• Onion (chopped)

1. Preheat oven to 350^oF
2. In a greased, 9” round glass pie dish  or an 8”x8” ceramic baking dish, spread the Tamales out such that they cover the bottom, but don’t touch each other.
3. Sprinkle the chiles and onions over the Tamale (ok, go ahead and get some in between too)
4. Beat the eggs.
5. Pour the eggs over the Tamales. I like to have the Tamales completely covered.
6. Holding the sides, jiggle the dish to get the eggs spread throughout.
7. Top with the grated cheese until covered with goodness
8. Bake until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
9. Broil for just a minute or two until cheese starts to golden (don’t walk away…it’ll burn immediately – it’s a law of nature)
10. Enjoy!

No matter where I am, when I bite into this awesomeness, I’m back in my Aunt’s house staring at all those lovely gifts under the tree and hearing the family chatter joyfully.