Easy dinner recipes: Tempting frittata ideas for Meatless Monday

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Sweet and tangy, these wings are sure to please. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Deviled eggs get special treatment with the addition of smoked salmon, fennel, capers and red onion. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Top a prepared pizza crust with a little sour cream and smoked salmon, along with chopped red onion, fresh dill and capers. It takes all of 15 minutes to whip up. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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The tuna salad comes together in minutes and is great served either as a sandwich or on its own. Read the recipe » (Anne Cusack/ Los Angeles Times)

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Great flavor, and simple to prepare.
Recipe: Italian tuna and shiso sandwich
(Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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Paella’s always a perfect choice when you want to dazzle dinner guests but don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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Mushrooms lend rich depth to this frittata. (Eric Boyd / Los Angeles Times)

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Fresh nettles may be known for their sting, but cooked, they add delicate, almost nutty notes to many a dish. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Artichoke and sun-dried tomatoes combine with two types of cheese and fresh herbs in this colorful dish. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Rich, tender flavor in minutes. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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Fresh broccoli flavor with a velvety texture. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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They’re not just for breakfast. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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The Buttery’s take on peanut butter cookies, massive enough that you almost need two hands to hold them, is at once rich, sweet and perfectly crumbly.
Recipe: The Buttery’s peanut butter cookies

(Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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You’ll never miss the gluten in this rich and flavorful carrot cake (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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This creamy pudding is flavored with aromatic orange flower water and almond oil and comes together in only 35 minutes. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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One bite and you’d never guess these tempting treats are gluten-free. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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This simple sandwich comes courtesy of chef and cookbook writer Deborah Madison and her husband, Patrick McFarlin. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Chicken curry sandwich. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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A rich and creamy take on this classic comfort food. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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A remarkably easy but elegant meal. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Fresh and bright and ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish goes perfectly with grilled salmon or other fish. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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An almost infinitely flexible recipe. (Ifran Kahn / Los Angeles Times)

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Best Chinese chicken salad ever? According to at least one reader, it is. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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It may take a little work prepping the ingredients, but Ciopinot’s take on the classic cioppino contains a lot of flavor in just a few simple steps. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Artichoke lovers, rejoice! (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Sweet pea soup -- bright, earthy and easy. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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In this variation, tortillas are stuffed with quickly cooked greens and chunks of feta and mozzarella, the tortillas warmed until lightly browned and the cheese oozes just slightly. The recipe comes together in minutes, perfect after a long day. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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Huitlacoche lends an earthy richness, and a robustness similar to truffles, to these quesadillas. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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For a wonderfully rich, meaty filling, try adding sauteed mushrooms cooked with shallots and butter and a touch of mint. The recipe comes together in minutes, perfect after a long day. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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A rich vegetarian take on this comforting classic. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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This hearty dish works wonders as a side or main course, and the whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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A touch of spice. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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Soft and tender. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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Chef Michael Mina’s interpretation of a Caesar salad. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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There’s a secret to the croutons. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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A perfect light main course or flexible side dish. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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The flavors only get better with time. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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With the depth of flavor in this soup, you’d never guess this rich and creamy salmon bisque comes together in under an hour. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Add extra flavor with a touch of barbecue sauce, corn niblets and fresh parsley. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Recipe: BLD’s fresh vegetable salad

(Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Fresh and bright with large shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Bright and fresh and mildly spicy. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Recipe: Cafe des Artistes’ fillet of sole Provencal

(Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Roasted salmon with red pepper hazelnut pesto. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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For this slaw, incredibly simple to make, thinly sliced kale is tossed with colorful carrots, red cabbage and fresh fennel, then coated with a light but tangy dressing. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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A fresh, filling salad using only a handful of ingredients. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Give kale a good rubdown and it makes a delicious salad. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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The kale salad from Napa Valley Grille. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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These oatmeal cookies are big on size and flavor. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Light in texture and delicately flavored. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Pile the fish into warm tortillas with plenty of shredded cabbage and a fresh tangy lime-garlic vinaigrette. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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This easy dish comes together in under an hour, the plump shrimp cooked in a simple sauce flavored with toasted pumpkin seeds, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno chiles and fresh cilantro. (Eric Boyd / Los Angeles Times)

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Looking for diet-friendly options for your party? These Philly cheesesteak cups have all the flavor for a fraction of the calories. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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With no fewer than four types of cheese, mac ‘n’ cheese couldn’t get much better than this version. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Three kinds of cheese and prosciutto come together in cheesy goodness. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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This take on the classic includes chicken, prosciutto, a bread crumb topping and plenty of cheese. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Lentil and barley stew. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Best of all, the salad can be made ahead of time; the recipe comes together in a little over an hour, and the flavor only improves with time. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Try this combination of quinoa, meaty shiitake mushrooms, caramelized fennel and crunchy toasted cashews. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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Quinoa is cooked with finely diced beets, which tint the quinoa a vibrant shade of red. (Ann Johansson / For the Times)

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This rich Andalusian chowder has its roots in gazpacho. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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The clam chowder at La Conner Brewing Co. in the San Juan Islands has a bit of spice to it. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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Rich Paris bistro flavor in only 30 minutes. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Quick potato leek soup gets a last-minute boost of flavor from a blend of finely diced cilantro, anchovy and garlic. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

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Such a simple combination, but so delicate and complex. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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You can’t go wrong here when you’re craving a great noodle bowl. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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With its rich flavor, you might not guess this dish is both gluten-free and vegan! (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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Serve warm with a big glass of milk. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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It’s as if Lawry’s took everyone’s favorite flavors and combined them in an easy-to-make dessert, with Nutella, chocolate, espresso and Kahlua liqueur folded into a mousse. And the best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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This rich and creamy dessert delivers chocolate accented with a hint of port. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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A rich chicken soup that comes together in minutes. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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The combination of coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce and lemon grass from the stock is sweet and fragrant. (Paul Morse / Los Angeles Times)

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This isn’t your ordinary chicken soup; each bite is flavored with bits of carrot and celery, garbanzo beans and cracked wheat. It’s rich, yet delicately spiced with notes of cinnamon and curry. Best of all? The whole thing comes together in about 45 minutes. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Nettle leaves add bright flavor and deep emerald color to this creamy polenta dish. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)

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Saute escarole with garlic and a tough of crushed red pepper just until the leaves begin to wilt and are tender, then spoon over a bowl of creamy polenta. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Polenta is slowly cooked in the oven with this simple gratin. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Rich with bright flavors, this salad comes together in only 20 minutes. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Eggs for dinner? You bet! (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

By Noelle Carter

Feb. 24, 2014 9:53 AM PT

When you’re short on time and/or energy, dinner doesn’t get much easier than a frittata. Heat a pan, add some beaten eggs and flavorings and cook to puffed perfection. That’s it. Substantial enough to eat on its own, you can also serve it alongside a colorful salad, or thinly sliced as an appetizer or first course.

Frittatas are easy to make and are versatile, perfect for breakfast or brunch, even dinner. Stop by the store for a few select ingredients, or improvise with what you have at home (even leftovers). Serve slices hot, fresh out of the pan, or make the frittata ahead of time and cool to room temperature before setting slices out on the table.

Artichoke and sun-dried tomato frittata: The flavors of artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes are combined with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and fresh basil, parsley and chives in this colorful frittata.

RECIPES: 99 easy dinner ideas in about an hour or less

Wild mushroom frittata: Love mushrooms? You can’t beat this frittata combining thinly sliced wild mushrooms with tangy creme fraiche, Pecorino Romano, sliced garlic and shallot, and fresh thyme and chives.

Nettle frittata with green garlic and ricotta: Fresh nettles may be known for their sting, but cooked, they add delicate, almost nutty notes to many a dish. Nettles, green garlic and ricotta combine in a simple yet flavorful frittata, ready in about 30 minutes.

You can find the recipes below.

And for more ideas, click through our easy dinner recipes gallery and check out our Dinner Tonight page, devoted to recipes that can be made in an hour or less. Looking for a particular type of recipe? Comment below or email me at noelle.carter@latimes.com.

QUICK & EASY: 99 terrific recipes in about an hour or less

ARTICHOKE AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO FRITTATA

About 1 hour, plus cooling time

Serves 12

3 cups drained, coarsely chopped canned artichoke hearts (canned in water)

1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/3 cup chopped fresh chives

1 cup julienned basil

1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

15 eggs

2 cups heavy cream

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 12-by-9-inch casserole dish.

2. In a bowl, toss the artichokes, tomatoes, chives, basil and parsley, and cheddar and Parmesan cheeses together gently. Spread evenly in the dish.

3. Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Pour over vegetable mixture.

4. Put the frittata in a larger pan, and add enough hot water to reach halfway up the side of the frittata dish.

5. Bake until the top is lightly golden, then cover with foil and continue baking until the frittata is set (a knife inserted should come out clean), 40 to 50 minutes. Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Each serving: 388 calories; 19 grams protein; 8 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 31 grams fat; 18 grams saturated fat; 320 mg cholesterol; 2 grams sugar; 538 mg sodium

Note: Adapted from Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticcera.

WILD MUSHROOM FRITTATA

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Note: From David Lentz at the Hungry Cat

12 eggs

3/4 cup creme fraiche, divided

1 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

2 cups thinly sliced shallots (about 5 to 6)

6 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 cups cleaned, sliced mushrooms, wild if available, such as chanterelles or morels (cultivated types such as cremini may be combined or substituted)

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon chopped chives

Sea salt

1. Whisk together the eggs, one-fourth cup creme fraiche and the cheese until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter and heat until the butter bubbles but is not yet turning brown. Add the shallots and garlic and cook over medium to medium-low heat until tender and beginning to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Add the mushrooms and thyme and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Stir the egg mixture to recombine, then pour it over the mushroom mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Use a rubber spatula to even out and distribute the mushroom-shallot mixture. Cook until the bottom is set and the edges begin to shrink a little, about 5 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, set the oven rack at least 6 inches away from the broiler and heat the broiler.

5. When the bottom is set, finish the frittata by broiling briefly until the top is just set, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not brown.

6. Remove the frittata from the oven and loosen it from the pan with a spatula. To serve, cut into wedges and top each with a dollop of creme fraiche and a sprinkling of chopped chives and sea salt.

Each of 6 servings: 378 calories; 24 grams protein; 14 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 26 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 461 mg. cholesterol; 504 mg. sodium.
NETTLE FRITTATA WITH GREEN GARLIC AND RICOTTA

Total time: About 30 minutes
Serves 6

Note: Adapted from “Local Flavors” by Deborah Madison. Stinging nettles are available at many local farmers markets. When handling the nettles, wear latex or exam gloves; rinse them in a sink full of cold water to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the leaves from the stalks.
3 cups washed nettle leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 head green garlic, minced (can substitute 2 garlic cloves)
1 cup finely chopped onion
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
8 large eggs
1/3 cup pecorino Romano, grated
1/2 cup ricotta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1. Heat the broiler. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the nettles and, using tongs or rubber gloves, put them into the water and blanch them, for about 1 minute. Drain and when cool enough to handle, press out the water, chop into a rough cut and reserve.

2. Warm the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet. Add the garlic and onion and cook over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the nettles and season with salt and pepper.

3. Beat the eggs with one-half teaspoon salt, then stir the nettle and onion mixture into the bowl and add the Pecorino. Add the ricotta, leaving it a little streaky.

4. Wipe out the skillet and return it to the heat with the butter. When the butter has foamed then subsided, pour in the egg mixture. Stir until the ingredients are emulsified. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook until the eggs have set up around the edges and are golden on the bottom, about 6 to 7 minutes. The center will be slightly jiggly.

5. Slide the pan under the broiler and cook until the top is set and golden, about 1 minute. Check to see that the eggs are cooked (the frittata should be set in the center); cool slightly or to room temperature before serving.

Each serving: 233 calories; 14 grams protein; 5 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 18 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 304 mg. cholesterol; 430 mg. sodium.

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