Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and ricotta
If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and filled with vibrant flavors, this easy Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender asparagus, mild leeks, and creamy ricotta, it’s a perfect dish that works brilliantly for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. This frittata balances texture and taste effortlessly, making it a go-to choice that’s quick to whip up yet always impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, this frittata is a time-saver for busy days without sacrificing flavor.
- Creamy and Fresh: The ricotta adds a smooth, rich texture that complements the fresh crunch of asparagus and delicate sweetness of leeks.
- All-Meal Versatility: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish fits perfectly into any mealtime rotation.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Asparagus and leeks provide fiber, vitamins, and a boost of antioxidants making it a healthy choice too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on few but essential ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta. Each component has a role, whether it be freshness, creaminess, or a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh asparagus: Choose firm, vibrant green stalks for the best crunch and flavor.
- Leek: Use the white and light green parts, sliced thin for a mild onion-like sweetness.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and tenderizes the eggs, creating a luscious texture.
- Eggs: The base of the frittata, binding all ingredients together.
- Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all natural flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Chives or parsley can add a lively, herbaceous aroma and coloring.
Variations for Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Swapping ingredients or adding extras can cater to your taste preferences or dietary requirements without any fuss.
- Cheese swap: Substitute ricotta with goat cheese or feta for a tangier profile.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to up the vegetable intake and color.
- Protein addition: Toss in cooked bacon, smoked salmon, or ham for extra savory depth.
- Herb variations: Experiment with dill, thyme, or basil to shift the flavor direction.
- Vegan twist: Use silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast and kala namak to mimic creamy texture and egginess.
How to Make Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by trimming the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and slicing the leeks thinly. Rinse the leeks well to remove any grit. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sauté the leeks until softened and fragrant, then add asparagus and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Step 2: Mix the Egg and Ricotta Base
While the veggies cook, whisk together your eggs with the ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. This mixture is the heart of your frittata, providing both flavor and a custard-like texture.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the egg and ricotta mixture over the sautéed veggies in the skillet. Stir briefly to evenly distribute the asparagus and leeks. Cook on medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes until the edges start to set but the center is still slightly loose.
Step 4: Oven Finish for Perfect Texture
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the frittata is fully set and lightly golden on top. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, carefully transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the frittata to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This resting period ensures it holds together nicely and the flavors meld beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh asparagus and leeks make a dramatic difference in taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: Keeping them slightly crisp prevents the frittata from becoming mushy.
- Low and slow cooking: Cook the frittata on medium-low heat to avoid browning the bottom too much before baking.
- Oven-safe skillet: Using a cast iron or oven-safe pan saves time and cleanup.
- Add herbs last minute: Fresh herbs sprinkled after cooking brighten up the flavors wonderfully.
How to Serve Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top instantly freshens the look and adds a pop of herbal brightness. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dollop of ricotta on the side enhances creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair your frittata with a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even some crusty bread for a delightful balance. Light, citrusy sides work especially well to balance the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the frittata in wedges on colorful plates with garnishes like lemon zest or edible flowers for a brunch table wow factor. For a party, cut into bite-sized squares and serve as finger food with toothpicks and dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover frittata tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient next-day meal.
Freezing
Frittata freezes well! Slice it into portions and wrap individually. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within one month for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to retain moisture. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out; a low oven temperature of 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes works best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this frittata?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen asparagus well to avoid excess water making the frittata watery.
Is ricotta the only cheese I can use?
Ricotta is preferred for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for different results.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or mix silken tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice for creaminess.
What is the best way to store leftover frittata?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze portions in airtight packaging.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use a chickpea flour batter or silken tofu to replace eggs and vegan ricotta alternatives to create a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
Jump into making this delightful Frittata With Asparagus. Leek and Ricotta—your taste buds and schedule will thank you! It’s a vibrant, creamy, and versatile dish easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for company. Once you try it, this frittata will likely become your favorite way to celebrate fresh spring vegetables and creamy ricotta in one simple, satisfying meal.
Related Posts
PrintFrittata With Asparagus. Leek and ricotta
This easy Frittata with Asparagus, Leek, and Ricotta is a fresh, creamy, and vibrant dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. It combines tender asparagus, mild leeks, and smooth ricotta cheese to create a luscious, nutritious meal that is quick to prepare and versatile for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 leek (white and light green parts only), sliced thin and rinsed
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Herbs & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Trim the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and slice the leek thinly. Rinse the leek thoroughly to remove any grit. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sauté the leeks until softened and fragrant, then add the asparagus and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Mix the Egg and Ricotta Base: While the vegetables cook, whisk together the eggs and ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any preferred fresh herbs.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the egg and ricotta mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Stir briefly to distribute the asparagus and leeks evenly. Cook on medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes until the edges begin to set but the center remains slightly loose.
- Oven Finish for Perfect Texture: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the frittata is fully set and lightly golden on top. If you do not have an oven-safe pan, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before baking.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the frittata to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve with optional olive oil drizzle or a dollop of ricotta on the side.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus and leeks for the best taste and texture.
- Do not overcook the vegetables to maintain a slight crunch and prevent mushiness.
- Cook the frittata on medium-low heat to avoid browning the bottom before baking.
- Using an oven-safe skillet saves time and cleanup.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving for a bright, aromatic touch.
- Frozen asparagus can be used if well thawed and drained.
- Ricotta can be substituted with goat cheese, feta, or cottage cheese for different flavor profiles.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs and ricotta with silken tofu or chickpea flour batter along with vegan ricotta alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze in portions for up to one month.
- Reheat gently in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave on low to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: frittata, asparagus, leek, ricotta, breakfast, brunch, vegetarian, gluten free, easy recipe, baking
