From what I recall, frittata made with sausage, bread, and eggs was a dish my grandmother in Istria often prepared, whereas the addition of peppers was something more Italian American. It is nonetheless a delicious combination. This recipe makes a great lunch with some salad on the side.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4 to 6

　　3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing (about 2 links)

　　1 large bunch scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

　　1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch strips

　　8 large eggs

　　1/4 cup milk

　　1 1/2 cups 1/2-inch bread cubes, from a day-old loaf of country bread

　　1/4 cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat the oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage, crumbling with the back of a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the scallions, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring, until the scallions begin to wilt, about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the bell pepper, and cook, stirring, until wilted but not completely limp, about 8 to 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Beat the eggs with the milk and remaining salt in a bowl. Let the bread cubes soak in the egg-milk mixture until moistened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat under skillet to medium-low, then pour in the eggs and bread and let cook, without stirring, until the eggs begin to set around the edges of the pan, about 2 to 3 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Sprinkle all over the top with the grated cheese. Put the skillet in the oven, and bake until frittata is set all the way through and the top is golden, about 18 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the skillet and invert onto a plate or cutting board. Serve in wedges, warm or at room temperature.

　　Reprinted with permission from Lidia's Italy in America by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Copyright © 2011 by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.