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Garden Black Bean Frittata: Ignite Your Day

Fuel Your Day: A Wholesome Garden Black Bean Frittata for Breakfast or Lunch

Start your day on a vibrant, nutritious note with this incredible Garden Black Bean Frittata! Packed with protein from fresh eggs, wholesome black beans, and garden-fresh vegetables, it’s a delightful meal that promises to keep you energized whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty lunch. This flavorful frittata is not just delicious; it’s a smart, wholesome choice for anyone looking to eat well.

This post is proudly sponsored by Bush’s Beans, bringing quality and flavor to your table.

The culinary journey often begins with a spark of inspiration, sometimes from the most unexpected places. Not long ago, a friend shared her recipe for an open-faced black bean omelet, and I must admit, it thoroughly captivated my imagination. While I’ve always appreciated black beans as a side dish with classics like Huevos Rancheros when dining out, the idea of integrating them directly into an egg dish was a novel concept for me. It wasn’t something I had consciously considered or tried before, and the thought of combining these two powerhouses of nutrition instantly intrigued me.

This simple suggestion lingered in my mind, a quiet muse waiting for the opportune moment to inspire a new creation. And that moment arrived last weekend, bringing with it an abundance of fresh produce that is often the delightful, albeit sometimes overwhelming, bounty of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share. As our spring CSA season kicked off, I found myself with a generous haul of zucchini – a common, yet wonderful, occurrence. Indeed, I suspect this might become a weekly theme given the sheer volume of gorgeous, vibrant green squash making its way into my kitchen. Just look at this magnificent specimen! I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a couple of these impressive beauties, and even larger ones, in my weekly pick-ups for two consecutive weeks now.

Truly, these were monster zucchinis, calling out for a creative culinary solution. Faced with such magnificent, oversized vegetables and with the black bean omelet idea still playfully dancing in my thoughts, the concept for this Garden Black Bean Frittata began to take shape. It was a fusion of inspiration and necessity, a perfect marriage of fresh produce and a novel flavor combination.

The Versatility of a Frittata: More Than Just Breakfast

Frittatas are truly culinary chameleons – adaptable, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. They represent the ultimate one-pan meal, perfect for using up whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. What makes this Garden Black Bean Frittata particularly special is its hearty nature. The combination of eggs and black beans creates a robust protein foundation, while the zucchini and red onion add a fresh, garden-inspired zest. It proved to be the quintessential Saturday morning breakfast – satisfying, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. And the beauty of it? It tasted even better reheated the following day, tucked between two slices of toast for a quick, delicious lunch. The simplicity and convenience of a frittata make it a staple in any busy kitchen, and this particular recipe elevates it to a new level of wholesome deliciousness.

Print Recipe

Garden Black Bean Frittata Recipe

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Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs, providing a rich and fluffy base
  • 1/2 medium zucchini, finely chopped for even cooking and distribution
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced to add a subtle sweetness and bite
  • 1/2 cup Bush’s Best Black Beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained for optimal flavor
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided for layering and topping
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors

Directions:

  1. Begin by preparing a small (8-inch) nonstick skillet. Lightly grease it with a touch of olive oil or butter, then heat it over medium heat. Add your chopped zucchini and red onion to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften slightly and the onion becomes translucent, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
  2. While the vegetables cook, whisk together the eggs vigorously in a medium bowl until light and foamy. Stir in half of the shredded cheese (about 2 tablespoons) along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once your vegetables are ready, add the rinsed black beans to the skillet, then pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the vegetables and beans. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom and edges start to set and firm up.
  3. At this point, gently take a heat-resistant spatula and work around the edges of the frittata, tilting the pan slightly to allow any uncooked liquid egg mixture to flow underneath and fill in the spaces. Continue cooking on the stovetop for another few minutes, allowing the frittata to set further. Once the center is mostly set but still a little moist, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top.
  4. Carefully transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler. Broil for up to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until the frittata is fully cooked through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top has achieved a beautiful golden-brown finish. Remove the pan from the broiler using a sturdy oven mitt to protect your hands, as the handle will be extremely hot. Let it rest for a minute or two before slicing and serving warm.

Chef’s Note: Don’t let those leftover Bush’s Best Black Beans go to waste! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are incredibly versatile! You can easily sprinkle them into your everyday salads for an extra protein boost, throw them together with some corn and peppers for a quick and flavorful black bean corn salsa, or incorporate them into hearty quesadillas for a satisfying meal. For something truly unique, consider using them to make this tasty Chipotle Black Bean Pizza!





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Exploring More Frittata Variations

If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and flavor of this black bean frittata, you’ll be thrilled to discover other wonderful variations. Frittatas are endlessly customizable! For another burst of vibrant flavors and nutrients, try our Kale, Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata, which offers a delightful tanginess and earthy notes. Or, for a comforting and hearty option, our Parmesan Potato Frittata is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any meal of the day.

This post is sponsored by Bush’s Beans. All thoughts, culinary experiments, and enthusiastic opinions are 100% my own. We only partner with brands we truly love and use in our kitchen!

Beyond the Plate: Finding Your Motivation for a Healthier Lifestyle

In addition to nourishing our bodies with delicious food like this frittata, staying motivated is key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. I’ve been so incredibly touched and inspired by all the responses to my “Motivation” giveaway. It’s truly wonderful to hear from new readers and reconnect with familiar faces, and it’s comforting to know that we all need a little encouragement and a kick-start every now and then. So, I wanted to share a couple more invaluable tools and strategies that consistently help me get and stay motivated in my own wellness journey.

1. Embrace Technology with the MapMyRun App

One of my absolute go-to resources for staying active is the MapMyRun app. I first downloaded this incredibly helpful application on my phone when I was training for my very first half marathon two Decembers ago. Before that, I was largely a treadmill runner, where tracking distance was effortless. However, once I ventured outdoors, this app became an indispensable companion! I use it constantly now, not just for running, but for tracking walks, hikes, and even cycling routes. It offers the fantastic option to save your routes, allowing you to revisit favorite paths or share them with friends. For me, its primary value lies in its precise distance tracking, coupled with detailed time and speed metrics. It transforms outdoor exercise into a more informed and enjoyable experience, helping you monitor progress and set new goals. It’s a powerful tool to make fitness fun and measurable!

2. Discover the Power of “Filler” Workouts

While running has been my main form of exercise for quite some time, I, like many of you, often find myself hitting a plateau or growing bored with the routine. The key to long-term consistency, I’ve discovered, is variety. That’s why I’m constantly seeking new “filler” workouts to inject fresh energy into my routine and prevent burnout. Recently, I came across this fantastic elliptical workout from Julie at PBFingers, and I am absolutely planning to incorporate it into my gym sessions this week. It’s perfectly designed for those in-between-run days, providing a challenging yet manageable session. Its duration is just right, making it easy to squeeze in on days when I might otherwise be tempted to take a complete rest. Julie’s blog is also a treasure trove of other great treadmill and circuit workouts, which are excellent resources if you’re seeking a boost of motivation or simply looking to change up your exercise regimen.

3. Explore Our Fitness and Nutrition Resources

For more comprehensive guidance on living a healthy, active life, have you had a chance to check out my dedicated Fitness page? There, you’ll find a collection of training plans and ‘getting started’ running programs that I’ve personally used or adapted over the years. These resources are designed to help you embark on your own fitness journey with confidence and support. And don’t forget, the exciting “Get Moving and Get Healthy” giveaway is drawing to a close tomorrow at noon – if you haven’t already, make sure to enter for a chance to win!

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