Caring for Cast Iron

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Leave it to one of the world’s most inventive, ambitious chefs to create one of the best three-ingredient dishes. Ferran Adria’s potato chip tortilla Española (sometimes referred to as an “omelet’) has become a thing of legend since he published the recipe in his 2011 cookbook The Family Meal: Home Cooking With Ferran Adrià (recently reissued in a 10th anniversary edition).

We made his sublimely simple recipe dozens of times before realizing there might be a way to improve upon his genius hack: shoestring potatoes. Not only do we love the crunch of the starchy matchsticks against the soft, fluffy eggs, the shoestring potatoes come together to form a hash brown-like layer on top of the tortilla.

Photo: Lauren V. Allen

This recipe is excellent on its own as a quick morning or midday meal, or you can dress it up by mixing in grated cheese, garnishing the tortilla with chopped herbs, or serving some garlicky allioli on the side.

Recipe: Shoestring Potato Spanish Tortilla

Yield: 2 to 4 servings
Print Recipe

Ingredients

8 large eggs
3 ounces shoestring potatoes (we use Pik-Nik brand)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Tools

No.8 Field Skillet

 

Resources

The Field Method for Cast Iron Care

Instructions

1.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Add the shoestring potatoes and let sit for a few minutes while you heat the skillet.

2.

Preheat the broiler (set it to medium if you have the option). Heat a No.8 Field Skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and stir a couple of times to distribute the potatoes. Cook, occasionally pushing the potatoes down gently, until the bottom and sides of the skillet are set and golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.

3.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the top of the tortilla is just set. Remove from the oven and invert a plate on top of the skillet. Carefully flip the tortilla over onto the plate. Let cool slightly, then cut into wedges and serve.

Seasoning Rating: Safe

This quick and easy recipe—three ingredients, then 4 to 5 minutes under the broiler—doesn't have the duration to build much new seasoning. But it is going to be super easy on your skillet: if your eggs have set nicely, clean-up will be straightforward. In fact, if the tortilla comes out clean, you might need only a quick wipe out with a paper towel. If you do need to wash, follow the Field Method for cast iron care, making sure dry thoroughly before applying a coat of Seasoning Oil.

Seasoning Ratings:

Best—These dishes are the best options for building resilient seasoning, and surefire choices for getting tricky pans back on track.

Better—The best way to keep your skillet in great shape is to cook frequently, and cast iron-friendly dishes like these are your bread and butter.

Safe—These recipes won't strip seasoning away from your pan, but won't really add any, either.

OK—Be sure to clean up promptly. Recipes with this rating might feature acidic ingredients which can affect seasoning if not washed soon after cooking.

 

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