The Happy Home Cook: Ground Beef Omelet (Tortang Itlog at Giniling)

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Ground Beef Omelet (Source: Panlasangpinoy.com)

Gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2 to 4

The world torta is Spanish in origin. Throughout the world, it has several meanings from “cake” to “sandwich,” but in the Philippines, it means “omelet.” This dish is mainly eatne for lunch and supper and goes well with steamed rice and as a filling for a sandwich with banana ketchup. Depending on what you have on hand, ground chicken, turkey, or shredded crabmeat can all be used as substitutes.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 cup finely diced potatoes

1 shallot, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces ground beef or pork

6 large eggs, beaten

6 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons butter, plus more as needed

Procedure

1. In a large saute pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Cook the potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened, then transfer to a small bowl.

2. In the same pan, saute the shallot and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, or until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the ground meat and saute for 5 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a separate bowl and cool to room temperature.

3. In a large bowl, combine the eggs and water and beat lightly. Mix in the cooked potatoes and ground meat. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Wipe the pan clean with paper towels. Heat the butter in the pan over medium heat. Scoop 1 cup of the mixture into the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Using a wide spatula, loosen the edges before flipping.

5. Turn over the omelet and cook until it is slightly firm, another 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butter as needed when frying.

Variation tip: If you wish to include vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and green peas are my favorites.

From The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple by Roline Casper (Rockridge Press, 2020)

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