Shelf Fish

These salmon patties are my favorite fast dinner, learned from my mother, a busy schoolteacher. This recipe doesn’t require a trip to the market, as the ingredients are staples from my pantry or refrigerator.

In a bowl, combine 1 can of salmon, drained (you can even add the soft bones; they’re nutritious); enough bread crumbs to hold everything together (about 1/2 cup); 1 egg; 1/2 onion, chopped; chopped fresh parsley or whatever fresh or dried herbs you have on hand; and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Form patties and saute them in a small amount of oil on both sides. Serve with the condiment of your choice, such as mango chutney, mayonnaise or plum sauce.

If you keep a can of salmon in your pantry, you’ll always have something to cook.

JOANNE ROCKLIN

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How do you get dinner on the table fast? We mean real fast. The rules: No more than one stop on the way home, no more than 10 minutes’ prep time. The rest is up to you. To share your idea, write to The Last Minute, Los Angeles Times Food Section, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Or e-mail us at food@latimes.com.