Leek Vegetable Fritters With Lemon Cream Food

LEEK-VEGETABLE FRITTERS WITH LEMON CREAM

Steps:

• Fill sink with cold water. Halve leeks lengthwise, then swish gently in water, fanning out layers to loosen any grit. Slice crosswise into 1/4-inch strips. (If using cooked vegetables, slice into 1/4-inch strips and add to bowl in Step 3.)
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook leeks 3 to 4 minutes, until softened but not limp. Drain and wring dry in a towel.
• Transfer leeks to a large bowl and add scallions. In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, baking powder, a few grinds of black pepper and cayenne. Add to leeks and stir. Add egg and stir.
• Heat oven to 200 degrees. In a large heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat until shimmering. Drop heaping tablespoons of leek mixture into skillet and lightly flatten with the back of a spatula. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes; if cooking too quickly, lower the heat. Flip fritters and cook until golden on the other side, another 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and transfer to oven.
• Repeat with remaining leek mixture, adding oil and adjusting heat as needed.
• When fritters are cooked, make cream: whisk all ingredients together and season to taste with salt. Serve warm fritters in stacks, with a dollop of cream on top.

LEEK AND CARDAMOM FRITTERS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200. Put 1/3 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, add the leeks and shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, cardamom and cinnamon and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Transfer the onion mixture to a large bowl and add the chili, parsley, cilantro, manouri and salt. Allow to cool, then stir gently.
• Beat the egg white until soft peaks form, and fold it into the onions. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, whole egg, milk and butter to form a smooth batter. Gently fold it into the onion mixture.
• Put 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, ladle four spoonfuls (about half of the batter) into the pan to make four large fritters. Fry them until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels, then transfer to a platter in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more of the oil as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature, with lemon wedges.

LEEKS BRAISED IN CREAM WITH GARLIC AND LEMON

Steps:

• Trim leeks about 2 inches beyond the point where the leaves start to darken.
• Trim the root end and cut the leeks in half length-wise and then crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Place the leek pieces in a large bowl filled with cold water and rinse thoroughly.
• Lift the leeks out of the water (the soil will have sunk to the bottom) and into a colander to drain.
• Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks start to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add the cream, broth and zest.
• Cover and simmer until the leeks are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the lid and cook until the braising liquid thickens, about 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle with parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately.

LEEK FRITTERS

Steps:

• First make your sauce. Blitz all the sauce ingredients together in a food processor or blender until pale green. Set aside for later.
• Slice the leeks into 3/4 inch thick pieces, then rinse and drain in a colander. Pour half the olive oil in a medium pan and cook the shallots and leeks on a medium heat for 15 minutes, or until they have softened. Place the mixture in a large bowl, add the chilli, parsley, spices, sugar and salt, then leave to cool.
• Whisk the egg white to soft peaks in a medium bowl, then gently fold into the cooled leek mixture.
• In another bowl combine the flour, baking powder, egg, milk and butter to form a batter. Spoon in the vegetable mixture and gently stir to combine.
• Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan on a medium flame. Once hot spoon in half the batter to form four large fritters. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crisp. Remove, drain on kitchen towels and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve the fritters warm with the sauce and a side of rocket (or your preferred salad leaves). Any leftover fritters will be delicious eaten cold the next day.