Cardoon Frittata
A Cardoon Frittata is a savory Italian egg dish featuring cardoons—artichoke-like thistle stalks—cooked with eggs, cheese, and herbs. Originating from Mediterranean regions like Italy and parts of Spain, it's a rustic, seasonal dish often enjoyed as a light meal or antipasto. The cardoons provide a unique, slightly bitter, celery-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, custardy eggs.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats from eggs and cheese, with moderate carbs primarily from the cardoons and any added vegetables. A typical serving provides key nutrients like potassium, vitamin K, and B vitamins, and generally ranges from 250 to 350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Vitamin K | 45 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 320 IU |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 190 mg |
| Folate | 55 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
Per 1 slice (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Cardoons are a lesser-known vegetable prized in Mediterranean cuisine for their delicate, artichoke-adjacent flavor and impressive fiber content. Nutritionally, they are low in calories but rich in antioxidants and minerals, making this frittata a nutrient-dense choice that highlights a traditional, underutilized ingredient.
