The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Omelets
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Omelets are an age-old dish that can be traced back to ancient Persia and Iran. Today, they are a popular dish made mostly from cooking beaten eggs into something like a pancake, adding any fillings you like, and then folding it in half so the fillings are covered on both the top and the bottom.
They are an easy breakfast that can accommodate many different preferences, and they are quick to make as well. Creating different types of omelets primarily comes down to what fillings you add to the eggs.
What Makes A Basic Omelet?
Eggs: Typically, omelets are made with two or more eggs which are beaten in a bowl. While it’s possible to make an omelet with just egg whites, most often they are made with the whole egg.
Butter or Oil: You will need this for cooking your omelet in a skillet.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices make great, basic additions to any omelet.
Fillings: Some people simply use cheese which melts from the heat of the eggs. But you don’t have to use cheese at all if you don’t want it. Any type of filling will work. More on that below.
How To Cook An Omelet (American Method)
Beating the Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl until the whites and yolks are well combined. Typically, 2-3 eggs are the right amount for a one-person omelet. this will give you enough egg to add filling to.
Heating the Pan: Whatever skillet you have, you’ll want to heat it with oil or butter first. Don’t let the fat burn or smoke, Have your ingredients prepared already so you can add them to the pan the moment it’s hot enough.
Cooking the Eggs: Assuming you are not using any fillings that require sautéing (like onions or mushrooms which can be cooked in the pan first before adding the eggs), pour the eggs into the pan and gently scramble them, forming them into a broad pancake shape as they cook.
Adding Fillings: Once the eggs start to set, add whatever fillings you are using such as cheese, vegetables, meats, or herbs.
Folding or Rolling: Fold the omelet in half, over the fillings, and allow any cheese you may be using to melt. You may need to reduce the heat here so your omelet doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Serving: Transfer the omelet to a plate and add any fresh toppings you’d like to add such as fresh, chopped tomatoes, avocado, or sour cream.
What Fillings Go Into Different Types Of Omelets?
While you can certainly add anything you wish to an omelet, there are some classic combinations that make up the different types of omelets.
Classic French Omelet
The French believe they are owed credit for inventing the omelet (spelled, “omelette” in French), but there is also some history that suggests Napolean himself brought the dish with him to France from Egypt, which seems much more plausible given how far back the humble omelet can be traced.
The French omelet is a smooth, creamy omelet that has no browning on the eggs at all. It’s filled with cheese and sometimes fresh herbs such as chives or parsley. While it’s definitely a very simplified omelet, it can prove to be quite difficult to get right and is therefore the focus of many a class in culinary schools the world over. The omelets I make at home would certainly fail by French standards!
American Omelet
The American omelet has some interesting history as well. Historians believe that it was originally served on bread as a sandwich for cattle drivers. There is also some speculation that it was brought over by Chinese workers who served it as a simplified egg foo young type of dish. Eventually, it evolved into what we know today as, the Denver Omelet.
This omelet tends to be quite fluffy and is often browned on the outside. Typical fillings for this American-style omelet are ham, cheese, and veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Spanish Omelet (Tortilla Española)
The Spanish omelet is a bit different than what we are used to in the States. The first mention of it in Spanish history was in 1817. But its origin story is pretty much a legend without much proof that debates being invented either by General Tomás de Zumalacárregui, or by a poor housekeeper who had nothing much to serve him on his surprise visit and simply tossed this dish together based on what she had at the time.
Another legend says it was created by Portuguese prisoners in the latter part of the1600s. But nobody can say for sure how this dish came to be.
The Spanish Omelet is a a thick and hearty omelet, made with potatoes and onions. It’s even sometimes served cold.
It can be served cut into wedges, served warm, cold, or at room temperature, topped with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, served with a bit of aioli or garlic mayonnaise, paired with a simple salad, served with bread like a sandwich, or with olives and pickles. It can be paired with a glass of wine or a cold beer, topped with roasted red peppers, served as a tapa at a party, or served with grilled vegetables. In Spain, the omelet is not strictly a breakfast food.
Italian Frittata
The Italian-style omelet is not an American omelet with Italian-style filling. The Italian omelet is actually called a Frittata. A Frittata is similar to a crustless quiche and is never folded. It’s also finished in the oven and often includes more fillings like meats and vegetables.
Historians have tried to nail down the origins of the frittata, but have failed. All that is known is that it’s a Mediterranean dish that may possibly be a version of a dish served in Rome.
Japanese Tamagoyaki
This dish dates back to the beginning of the 1600s. It became popular in the 1950s when the government started promoting the idea of feeding children more protein. In fact, by the 1960s, it was a very popular dish among children.
This “omelet” is made of several layers of fried egg pancakes that are rolled together. It’s often served with soy sauce and mirin, or as a sweet and savory rolled omelet, served with soy sauce and sugar.
Indian Omelet
The Indian omelet, also known as the masala omelet, was heavily influenced by the British during the time when they ruled India. They took a regular omelet (like the classic French omelet) and added spices and vegetables to it.
Today, you can find it stuffed with anything from veggies to shrimp or chicken. The spices are usually things like coriander, curry leaves, black pepper, and cumin. They also add things like chilies, onions, tomatoes, or whatever ingredients are common to their region.
Enjoy Each Of The Different Types Of Omelets
No matter which you prefer, the great thing about omelets is that you can try them all. Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you’ll get an incredibly filling meal that satisfies each and every time.
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This article originally appeared on Pink When.
