Well that’s 6 months gone fast, just like that in a haze of luscious greens, fritters, pasta, vibrant salads, chocolate & of course a little cake. Each week I have discovered something else delicious to concoct via Ottolenghi. It certainly has been fun to spend so much time with one of my favourite chefs, though I am not sure chef covers it. More a master of greens & an alchemist with flavours. So here is a round up of the last 6 months.
What a way with greens, luscious & alluring...
Green Pancakes with Lime Butter...the green, spinach packed pancakes are delicous but it is that chilli lime butter melting over the top that makes these so terribly moreish. Make extras as they will all be scoffed!
Herb Pie... a pie pack full of greens & where herbs are the star; parsley, mint & dill. An encore of this pie on the cards in the kitchen today.
Chard & Saffron Omelettes; saffron infused potatoes & lots of chard wrapped up in paper thin omelettes flecked with thyme, chives & parsley
There was more Swiss chard with these Swiss Chard Fritters, what better way to get your greens?
And there were more fritters...Ottolenghi is a master of the the fritter. This is my new favourite way to have cauliflower; Cauliflower & Cumin Fritters with Lime Yoghurt.
The fritter a nice segue way to these Sweet Potato Cakes
Want to make your salads more vibrant & bursting with flavour?
Chicken, Saffron & Herb Salad - light & bright & herbs again the stars.
Fresh Figs with Manchego & Honey - a few ingredients thrown together make for perfect combination of flavours & textures,
The Ultimate Winter Couscous will brighten up the colder, darker days.
Spicy Beetroot, Leek & Walnut Salad...pretty as a picture & full of flavours & textures. Sweet, earthy, nutty & little spicy.
Romaine, Pineapple & Gorgonzola Salad...who would have thought that pineapple & blue cheese would be a match made in heaven? This is one I will want to eat again & again & again....
Seafood, Fennel & Lime Salad...bright & fresh with welcome pop of tartness from a scattering of pomegranate seeds.
Ottolenghi also made me love aubergines with these golden & crunchy little croquettes.
And there was of course a little comfort food...
Pasta being one of my favourite comfort foods, this one hit the spot; Saffron Tagliatelle with Spiced Butter I love pasta but this one really had me at spiced butter!
Mejadra...rice, lentils, & caramelised onion; simplicity itself.
A Very Full Tart that delivered all the comfort of a pie plus a good portion of your 5+ a day.
You can’t really go past roast chicken when it comes to comfort; Roast Chicken with Hazelnuts, Honey & Saffron
There were then of course a few sweet treats along the way.
Almond & Orange Blossom Florentines. Crunchy & nutty & just a little exotic.
Dark Chocolate Mousse with Bailey’s Cream; this one had me at dark chocolate. This one is most definitely for the chocolate lovers out there.
And if you are looking for a little slice of something alongside your afternoon cuppa then this Semolina, Coconut & Marmalade Cake will hit the spot.
But my favourite....the flavours of this dish all come together & explode in your mouth, sweet, tangy, zest & a hit of chilli...perfection.
So for now it is time to maybe give some of my other cook books a little attention. If you are looking for a little Ottolenghi inspiration head over here.
Enjoy!