4.07.2011

Leek Fritters à la Ottolenghi


Are you getting bored with my posts about new cookbooks? Be honest and let me know in comments if you are. But for today, I hope not, 'cause I have yet another one. And it's a doozy.


The other day I noticed I had run out of Nielson Massey vanilla extract and this gave me the perfect excuse to visit the Williams Sonoma store in the mall. Cross my heart, that was all I was going to buy, not that I didn't walk through the entire store, per usual, but vanilla was supposed to be extent of my purchases. 

And there it was. In a basket near the door. A cookbook called PLENTY by  Yotam Ottolenghi.


Let's face it. I'm a sucker when it comes to cookbooks like this one.  I already have Ottolenghi: The Cookbook and love it, so I thought I'd really like this one. Usually, when I want a new cookbook it goes on my Amazon wish list OR I buy it used when available. But not this time. I turned around, bought it on the spot, and then went to the nearest chair in the mall and sat down to look at it. Me and all the old men holding their wives' purses. Honestly. I'm pathetic.

So...it's all veggies. Don't you love it? And oh... the photos! Not glamorously posed, but naturally. A real treat to see. I couldn't wait to tell you about it. 
So are you drooling? What to try first? A dilemma. And then I came across leek fritters. They reminded me a little of Faith's veggie fritter recipe we all loved around here and still make over and over. But these were so much better, if not as quick to make. Rather more like a pancake. It will be well worth the effort, I promise. I can't begin to describe the flavor. The spices are perfect, not too strong, exactly right.

So here it is:  Yotam Ottolenghi's Leek Fritters with a lovely yogurt/cilantro sauce....delicious.


Leek Fritters
From Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi


Ingredients for the sauce:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup sour cream
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped
2 cups cilantro leaves, chopped

Ingredients for the fritters:
3 leeks (1 pound total, trimmed weight)
5 shallots, finely chopped
2/3 cup olive oil
1 fresh red chili, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup parsley, leaves and fine stalks, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg white
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon self rising flour (see bench note)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Bench notes
  • To make self-rising flour if you don't have any at hand: mix 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt.
  • This was much like making pancakes. You wait until the bubbles appear on top, then flip.


Method for sauce:
Process all the ingredients together until a uniform green. Set aside.

Method for fritters:
Cut the leeks into scant 1 inch thick slices. Rinse clean and drain dry. Saute the leeks and shallots in half the oil for about 15 minutes until soft. Transfer to a bowl and add the chili, parsley, spices, sugar and salt. Allow to cool.

Whisk the egg white to soft peaks and fold into the vegetables.

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, whole egg, milk and butter to form  a batter.
Gently mix the batter into the egg white/vegetable mixture.

Add a couple tablespoons of oil to a pan over medium heat. Spoon about half the vegetable mixture into the pan, making about 4 large fritters. Fry them 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Remove to paper towels and keep warm. Continue making the fritters adding more oil if needed.
You should end up with eight large fritters. Serve warm with the sauce on the side or drizzled over.



67 comments:

  1. Ooooh... Those look fabulous - all of the photos, but particularly the fritters. Yum. I think that is a must-have cookbook!

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  2. I also love Easter decorations! That towel is so pretty...

    What a gorgeous recipe! Leeks are so tasty.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. I've made a couple of Ottolenghi's recipes but do not have Plenty as yet since the recipes came from the web site. But I am hoping for a copy soon!!!!

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  4. I adore leeks and I love fried foods. These look superb. The yoghurt coriander dressing is such a great accompaniment. Yum.

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  5. I have no problems with readaing about cookbooks! Love the bunny towel and the fritters....well....

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  6. This all looks so great. I definitely have a cookbook fetish!

    ps I need guest posts in a few weeks if you are interested. stop by for details!

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  7. Every time I "run" into Williams-Sonoma I always come out with something extra. They have so many wonderful things. I love your kitchen towel and the new Otto cookbook looks very inspiring.

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  8. Leeks! One of my faves! This sounds right up my alley!

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  9. WS is seriously a dangerous place to walk into. I could buy the whole store (if I had a fortune).

    I love the sound of fritters made with leeks - one of my favorite veggies! The sauce sounds perfect with them.

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  10. Mm, leek fritters. They sound heavenly. I also very much like the bunny towel. (I'm pretty sure the word "bunny" makes anything cute!) Cookbook looks intriguing too.

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  11. Oh good Lord, this all looks AMAZING. And my boy is obsessed with veggies (I'm so grateful at least one of us is a healthy eater) that I might just have to snatch up this cookbook!

    PS Williams Sonoma is so addictive - I want to buy EVERYTHING in their stores!

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  12. I love learning about new cookbooks. It gives me ideas for myself and others :)

    I love these leek fritters. They look amazing...yum!

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  13. No, I love hearing about new cookbooks, keep them coming! I collect cookbooks and love the heads up on new ones! Your fritters look delicious!

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  14. Now you know I never tire of cookbooks Barbara, and this one sounds like a must.

    I can't help laughing at the thought of you sitting in the mall perusing your brand new cookbook while the husbands are clinging to their wives purses. Whatever happen to girl watchers, lol...

    The Easter novelties are darling. I can't wait to spend Easter in Idaho this year with the grandkids. I may need to seek out the nearest WS while I have a layover in Salt lake.

    The fritters look incredible. I'm sure your tasty eye for deliciousness is a huge factor.

    Thank you so much for sharing. Absolutely a keeper!!!

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  15. I will never tire of your cookbook reviews. My co-worker Josie told me just yesterday that she wasn't sure she could live without those bee glasses at W&S...I've got to go look at them.

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  16. I love the idea of leek fritters, they sound so delicious with this creamy and flavorful sauce too!

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  17. I'm also a sucker for cookbooks! I just bought Martha's Pies & Tarts yesterdan, and Flour (last month)!

    Love your recipes. If you have a moment please stop by for a slice of pie!

    Mary

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  18. I think you did an amazing job of buying only the necessities. :) My willpower would probably have succumbed to a cute chick or bunny. That cookbook looks great- I find it hard to pass up a book with photos that make my mouth water like that! Your fritters look so delicious- I heart leeks! :)

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  19. I got this cookbook for Christmas and totally love it. The British edition even has a soft cover so it's lovely to handle. I haven't tried these fritters yet though so they're on the menu for tonight.

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  20. I saw that bumble bee collection in the catalog and immediately wished I had cupboard space...
    The book looks like a real treat to read. Looking forward to trying these soon!

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  21. I love your easter themed tee towel and plates! wonderful! xxxxxxxx

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  22. i love hearing about new cookbooks! Your phottos are great and I love the Easter theme!

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  23. I love the little fritters and precious bunny towel! I LOVE Easter. It's my favorite holiday!

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  24. Bored? Can one have too many cookbooks? And, if this recipe is any indication, you've found a worthy volume!
    I love Easter too. It's such a lovely awakening time.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  25. I swear I actually moaned and my mouth began to water when I saw the first photo of the leek fritters!
    You are never boring, believe me.
    Will certainly be trying this recipe soon, merci beaucoup and bon weekend.

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  26. Darn! I wish you hadn't shown me those dishes. If there is one thing I DON'T need. . . !

    I love fritters and that sauce sounds yummy! The Farmer's Market has opened here and I'm on an all-veggie kick.

    Keep inspiring us!

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  27. Darn! I wish you hadn't shown me those dishes. If there is one thing I DON'T need. . . !

    I love fritters and that sauce sounds yummy! The Farmer's Market has opened here and I'm on an all-veggie kick.

    Keep inspiring us!

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  28. Goodness, how delicious! I can just imagine the wonderful flavors in those fritters...

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  29. Those look so good! And keep the cookbook reviews coming -- they're great!

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  30. I could be cross with you for this, but I am not... I keep swearing no more cookbooks (unless they are necessary--har har) but now there are so many recipes I have loved and they come from this restaurant. The pancakes look gorgeous... I love vegetable pancakes with lovely sauces.... they are great appetizers and lovely with a simple piece of meat or fish... I know I will thank you when the book arrives!

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  31. Leeks are a new favorite for me and these fritters look amazing! Will have to try soon.

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  32. The leek fritters look wonderful! And so does the book - I love the look of the rustic food.

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  33. Oh yes..keep posting your new cook book finds...I love finding new ones xoxoxo hugs for a great weekend.

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  34. Beautiful fritters. Good way to sneak in some greens for the kids.

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  35. I'm a sucker for anything that Ottolenghi puts his fingers in...and I JUST got this cookbook from Amazon! Still haven't made anything yet, but I would totally have been sitting next to you on that bench poring through it. These fritters sound delicious. They are definitely being amped up on my to-make list!

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  36. They look so crispy and golden and delicious! I'll look forward to more great posts from this cookbook.

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  37. I've been itching to get my hands on his new book for some time now, it sounds wonderful and those pictures are heavenly.

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  38. Oh I am drooling! Everything looks wonderful!

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  39. I was just thinking if I should get the book! After reading this, I think I should!

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  40. I love Ottolenghi !!!! Every time I go to London, I spend hours inside trying to "decrypt" the ingredients in each salad, cake, etc...because not everything is in the book, obviously! Thanks for the recipe!

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  41. i like these fritters !!thanks for the sharing !
    pierre

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  42. i actually love the cookbook reviews, there's no better way to know if a cookbook is from then from a food blogger! those dishes are adorable, and i love the leek fritters, what a great way to enjoy leeks.

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  43. Leek fritter sounds absolutely divine. Got to try this one day. Thanks Barbara!

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  44. That looks delicious! It looks like such a beautiful cookbook! I should really buy it for my in laws :D

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  45. Ottolenghi is one of my favorite places to eat on this planet! Thanks for sharing:) and Happy Easter!
    -E

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  46. Those bee glasses are too cute!!! My mom love zucchini fritters, I bet she would adore these leek ones. I'll have to make some for her :)

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  47. Barbara, you can just keep on rolling all those cookbook recipes. I love to know more. Frankly, I don't spend much in cookbooks so it's rather beneficial to learn more from other blogger. Thank you so much for all the wonderful recipes. I'll looking forward for more. Have a great weekend.
    Kristy

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  48. aw, cute towel! speaking of things that make a person smile, the word 'fritter' does it for me every time. it also triggers the saliva glands. :)

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  49. I love PLENTY!
    Those leek fritters look so salivating!

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  50. Barbara I love always cook books always, I read at night in bed!! and sometimesd I have a mess with book and magazines.!
    And I love Easter, I love all with bunnies, love them.
    And these fritters look amazing! gloria

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  51. I love the kitchen towel and everything you bought from the store! Fritters are so tasty and I eat them everytime I go out. I woould eat them at home too, but then I would have to change my wardrobe too so as to fit lol!

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  52. I love learning about new cookbooks and really enjoyed this post! That cookbook cover is gorgeous as are the fritters!

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  53. I really like Ottolenghi's recipes - so many different ideas! These fritters look superb.

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  54. Barbara!!!! Oh you fab person, you, to come to my birthday bash kickoff!!!! I am actually researching some beaches at this very moment,and I need to check out SANTORINI!! There are SO MANY GORGEOUS pictures for beaches around the world. I am craving BLUE SKIES AND BLUE EVERYTHING THESE DAYS! Your leek fritters look wonderful. I love using leeks in my cauliflower soup purée....they really add a different taste than regular onions! AND YOU WERE GOOD to resist the bunnies, although they are soooooo cute! I LOVE VANILLA and I am always on the hunt for a good brand. Have a great week, and I love your posts!!! Anita

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  55. Barbara, this looks so good. I have been using a lot of labne (yogurt strained to remove the excess whey) lately. Hey, you are one of the winners of the Philadelphia Cream Cheese giveaways on my blog. Just email me with mailing info. Thanks!

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  56. Oh yes, drooooooooooling. Stuffed onions, oooh! My mom just bought a ton of leeks and didn't know what to do with them What great timing!

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  57. I have this book and keep looking at it, but haven't gotten around to making anything yet. Shocking huh? Oh and love that tea towel and the tumblers.

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  58. oh why not have cute plates makes you smile and wow love the leek fritters hope you get to New Zealand one day hugs

    Rebecca

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  59. oh why not have cute plates makes you smile and wow love the leek fritters hope you get to New Zealand one day hugs

    Rebecca

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  60. I've been waiting to find a cookbook like this one, one that features vegetables in an inspiring manner. I keep on hearing that the next big trend in food are vegetables. These pictures really make me want to buy this book!

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  61. I'm like you, I wouldn't be able to resist that cookbook with the cover as fantastic as that! These fritters are great and the sauce I really have to try! Thanks for sharing the cookbooks...keep them coming!

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  62. Oh, this looks like the cookbook for me! I'm going to add it to my wish list - though I wish I could just buy it, and read it right away as you did!

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  63. Omg your photos!!!!
    Leek fritters??? Genius! Stuffed onions?? LOVE!!!!
    I really like your blog!

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  64. We need an all-veggie cookbook like this. Yes, stunning photos---the stuffed onions look like ones my Iraqi friend taught me to make. And the leek fritters--wow, if it has leeks, I hooked.

    I enjoy your sharing from your cookbook finds---

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  65. I am very sorry for being so late , but life did something that brought me to a stand still!
    Oh i so love the Williams S stuff too:-)
    Its been on my wishlist too:-)
    Oh and i love reading all about ur cookbooks and the deliciousness u come up with.
    the fritters are making me sooo hungry really.

    Barbara , would u happen to have any cake or cookie recipes , that i can bake in the microwave , a normal microwave ie ?

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  66. These look fantastic!! I love leaks, can't wait to try this!! Thanks :)

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  67. Ya gotta love any book that's called "Plenty''! ;)
    And I don't think I'd ever be able to get enough of these crisp leek fritters. Mmm!

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