Fritada


 Cuisine: Spanish  Type: Entree

Fritada : Entree in Spanish cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Pork
2 pounds (907)
Onion
2 large (300)
Garlic
4 cloves (12)
Tomatoes
4 medium (800)
Bell Peppers
2 large (300)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (2)
Water
1 cup (240)
Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (12)
Vinegar
2 tablespoons (28)
 Totals
93 oz (2,638 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Pork
250
Onion
40
Garlic
10
Bell Pepper
30
Tomato
20
Cumin
5
Oregano
5
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Vegetable Oil
120
Water
0
 Totals
480 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add diced pork shoulder (or any other meat of your choice) to the pan and cook until browned and crispy on all sides.

Step 3: Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Add minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and diced tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 5: Return the cooked pork to the pan and mix well with the vegetables.

Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika (adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences).

Step 7: Pour a generous amount of white wine or chicken broth into the pan, enough to cover the ingredients partially.

Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 9: While the fritada is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10: Once the meat is tender, transfer the fritada mixture to an oven-safe dish.

Step 11: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.

Step 12: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 13: Garnish the fritada with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Enjoy your homemade fritada, a delicious Spanish dish packed with flavors!

 Substitutions 


- Pork shoulder or pork loin can be substituted with chicken thighs or beef stew meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since chicken thighs cook faster than pork.
- If you don't have achiote paste, you can use paprika, cumin, and oregano as a substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano in place of 1 tablespoon of achiote paste.
- Red onions can be replaced with white or yellow onions in the same quantity.
- If you don't have naranjilla juice, you can use a combination of orange juice and lime juice. Use 1/4 cup of orange juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice as a substitute for 1/4 cup of naranjilla juice.
- If you cannot find chicha de jora, you can use a light beer or white wine as a substitute. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Red bell peppers can be substituted with green or yellow bell peppers in equal amounts.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro. Use 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro.
- Garlic cloves can be replaced with garlic powder. Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
- If you don't have annatto seeds, you can use annatto powder. Use 1/2 teaspoon of annatto powder in place of 1 teaspoon of annatto seeds.
- If you cannot find achiote oil, you can make your own by infusing vegetable oil with annatto seeds. Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon of annatto seeds over low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain before using.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

 Pairings 


- Fritada pairs well with roasted potatoes and a side of sautéed vegetables.
- Serve fritada with a fresh green salad and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Enjoy fritada with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and caramelized onions.
- Pair fritada with a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Serve fritada with a side of white rice and black beans for a traditional Spanish meal.
- Enjoy fritada with a side of crusty bread and a selection of Spanish cheeses.
- Pair fritada with a side of grilled asparagus and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
- Serve fritada with a side of spicy salsa and tortilla chips for a flavorful contrast.
- Enjoy fritada with a side of avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
- Pair fritada with a glass of Spanish red wine or a crisp and citrusy white wine.

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
- Arrange the fritada on a bed of colorful mixed greens or microgreens for an elegant touch.
- Use a ring mold to shape the fritada into a neat, round form before plating.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the fritada just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Incorporate caramelized onions or roasted garlic for a rich and sweet undertone.
- Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for a delightful crunch.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular pork with high-quality, tender cuts like Iberico pork or Kurobuta pork for a more indulgent experience.
- Introduce exotic mushrooms like chanterelles or morel mushrooms to add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or truffle-infused honey for a luxurious and earthy flavor.

Remember, these enhancements are suggestions to take your fritada to the next level, but feel free to adapt and combine them according to your preferences and availability of ingredients. Enjoy your elevated dining experience!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use lean cuts of meat, such as skinless chicken breast or turkey, instead of fatty cuts like pork shoulder.
- Opt for a cooking method that requires less oil, like grilling or baking, instead of deep frying the meat.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish by adding a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
- Reduce the amount of added salt by using herbs, spices, and citrus juices for flavoring.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of wheat flour.
- If you have lactose intolerance, avoid adding dairy-based ingredients like cheese or sour cream as toppings.
- For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, replace the meat with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
- If you are watching your calorie intake, reduce the amount of oil used for cooking and use a non-stick pan instead.
- To lower the overall fat content, remove any visible fat from the meat before cooking and avoid using fatty cuts of meat.
- For individuals with diabetes or those aiming to manage their blood sugar levels, limit the amount of added sugar or sweeteners in the dish.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use lean cuts of meat, such as skinless chicken breast or pork loin, instead of fatty cuts like pork belly.
- Grill or bake the meat instead of frying it in oil to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, to boost the nutritional value.
- Limit the amount of salt used in the marinade or seasoning by opting for herbs, spices, and citrus juices for flavor.
- Opt for a whole grain alternative to accompany the fritada, such as brown rice or quinoa, instead of white rice.
- Serve smaller portion sizes to control calorie intake while still enjoying the taste.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use boneless pork shoulder instead of whole pork pieces to save time on cutting and cooking.
2. Opt for pre-made sofrito or tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch.
3. Marinate the pork overnight to enhance flavor while saving prep time.
4. Use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to reduce cooking time and ensure tender meat.
5. Substitute fresh peppers with canned or frozen ones to save time on chopping and deseeding.
6. Replace traditional garnishes like hard-boiled eggs with sliced boiled eggs for quicker preparation.
7. Consider using frozen diced onions instead of chopping them yourself.
8. Use frozen corn instead of fresh corn to save time on husking and cutting kernels.
9. Serve with store-bought tortillas instead of making them from scratch.
10. Opt for cheaper cuts of pork, like pork loin, to reduce cost without compromising taste.