Frittatas are a great make-ahead dish because they're as delicious served piping hot out of the oven as they are at room temperature. The za'atar, a Middle Eastern blend of herbs, sumac, and sesame seeds, adds a layered depth of earthy and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the brightness of the tomatoes and basil. This frittata makes for a perfect family brunch or casual lunch.  

This recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 degrees Celsius. In a blender or food processor add eggs, cottage cheese, salt, paprika, za'atar, and garlic. Blend for 15-30 seconds until combined and set aside.

2. In a large sauté pan add onion and mushrooms with 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir on medium high heat for 7-10 minutes to caramelize. Once the mixture has browned and has a sweet fragrance, remove from heat and place in a bowl to set aside for assembling later. 

3. In the same pan add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, sliced cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes to sweat out the moisture of the tomatoes. Be careful to not overcook so the tomatoes maintain most of their shape. Once the tomatoes have a bit of color and the basil is infused, remove from heat.

4. In a medium springform pan, oil the sides of the pan well and line the bottom with parchment paper. Next, add layers of the egg mixture, mushroom and onions, and the tomato basil mixture. Tilt pan or gently stir ingredients if necessary so each component is evenly distributed. 

5. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet in case it leaks. Cover the top with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is firm. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Top with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Tips

**To elevate this dish try topping with fresh pickled purple onion and avocado or your favorite hot sauce.