Caprese Omelet

Traditional Caprese salad, a common Italian antipasto, consists of fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, dressed simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Ordinarily I have no interest in anything labeled Caprese (in the style of Capri) because that usually means it includes raw tomatoes, the food I dislike above nearly every other (and yes, I realize it is strange that there are sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe, which I like). However, I am borrowing that label for this omelet, which in generous terms also falls under the Caprese category.

When I'm only cooking for myself because my husband isn't around (or awake yet), I often turn to eggs. They're healthy, quick-cooking, and omelets and frittatas are a great opportunity for creativity and to use up orphaned bits of ingredients remaining from other recipes-the sun-dried tomatoes were originally purchased for Avocado-Dressed Shrimp a la Mexicana and the mozzarella to make pizza. Combine that with a recently acquired basil plant, and a Caprese dish seemed only natural. This fresh and flavorful omelet is great any time of the day and becomes a complete meal with toast and a side salad or piece of fruit.

Caprese Omelet
serves 1

2 eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil cooking spray
1/4 cup chopped basil, plus additional for garnish
1/4 cup chopped recipe-ready sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
2 tablespoons shredded or finely cubed mozzarella cheese

1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs until frothy and well-combined and season with salt and pepper. Preheat a small nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the eggs and stir with a heatproof rubber spatula, while shaking the skillet, until the eggs are nearly set.

2. Add basil, tomato, and cheese to center of the eggs. Shake the skillet to loosen the omelet, then use the spatula to fold one-third of the eggs over the filling. Fold the opposite third over the filling, place the lid on the skillet, and cook briefly until the cheese is melted. Remove the lid and tilt the skillet to turn the omelet onto a plate. Garnish with additional basil, if desired, and serve warm.