Greek Omelette with Feta Cheese and Fresh Mint
Eggs play such an important role in the Greek diet. As the diet had very little meat, eggs were a good form of protein and were consumed as a main meal. Greek families had chickens and had a constant source of eggs.
I remember when I was visiting my grandparents in the summer, even though they lived in a large town they had a small yard with a chicken coop. Everyday I was sent to see if the chickens had laid any eggs. I am not fond of chickens, but I couldn’t wait to go in the coop and find eggs in the nest, like finding a little treasure. I would bring them to the kitchen and my grandmother would make the best fried eggs.
Eggs in Greek cuisine are not really associated with breakfast as they are in the U.S. and U.K., they are more of a night food. Yes, that sounds strange, but because we have our largest meal at lunch, dinner was an easy meal that did not require much effort, and eggs were the perfect solution.
Both my grandmothers would make omelettes or fried eggs with potatoes and a salad or maybe just a quartered tomato with some salt and olive oil. We would love those dinners and actually my favorite dish that my dad used prepare for us on the weekends, was his omelette with onions. Yum! He shared it with me the other day, so I’ll be making that soon. Typical Greek omelettes will include cheese or tomato or bits of smoked meat or all three or just plain.
Yes, the humble egg is an important part of the Greek diet, and it played the role of an animal protein source along with cheese in this mainly plant based diet. Eggs are a great source of protein, B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, and only about 80 calories each. As for the cholesterol, it is important to know that the cholesterol we get in our diet does not necessarily raise our blood cholesterol. The Greek dietary recommendations include 4 eggs weekly.
When it’s one of those days where I realize that I have nothing for lunch, I’ll whip up an omelette, prepare a salad and serve it to the kids along with bread and some cheese. This recipe is a simple recipe but I love the combination of mint and feta. It kind of resembles a cheese pie (tiropita) because it has a similar filling. If you do not have fresh (or frozen mint) you can use basil instead.
Greek Omelette with Feta and Mint
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- A pinch of salt
- A handful of fresh chopped mint
- 2 tablespoon crumbled feta
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl beat the eggs with all the ingredients except the olive oil.
- Heat (low heat) the olive oil in a heavy medium sized pan.
- Add the egg mixture making sure it spreads evenly on the whole pan.
- Let it cook untill it starts to get solid but still liquid on top.
- Carefully fold in half with a rubber spatula.
Love this recipe, keeps me full and knowing it’s healthy it’s even better.
This simple omelet has so much flavor! I love the combination of fresh mint and feta cheese. Just wonderful!
Shouldn’t it be 1/2 tablespoons olive oil instead of teaspoons?
Hi Michael, The 1/2 tsp is correct, it is just enough to coat the pan.
I’m planning to serve an omelette with feta cheese at our brunch this coming week. Well, I’m glad you shared this; at least now, I’m aware that the egg must be cooked in low heat. Anyhow, since I haven’t perfected this yet, maybe it would be an excellent idea to treat my whole family in a buffet.
Elena, when my Papouli spent summers with us this was his “specialty” of the day. He made it just as you do, but he added in tomatoes diced very thinly and added half slices of kalamata olives and cooked until crispy, then folded into an omelette. He’s no longer with us, but everytime I make this dish i8can feel him standing over me. You help us share fond memories growing up. You are a gem!!!!
Hi a little confused is it basil or mint in the omelette? The title says with basil but the ingredient list shows only mint ?
HI Melanie, It is only mint. The title on the post has mint but there was an error on the title for the recipe sheet which has now been corrected.
I love Greek cooking, I was married to a Greek Man for 22 yrs sadly he left me and I miss Greek Food so much and Greece, I love it when I go on holiday there, thanks for your lovely memories and for sharing yours too,
Thank you for sharing Beryl!