June 23, 2011

Fresh Pea, Basil and Halloumi Fritters

IMG_9214N
For the last few weeks, my husband and I have had the luxury of sleeping for seven (sometimes eight) whole, uninterrupted hours a night.  Our little boy has finally established a regular sleeping pattern and it feels amazing.

The transition into parenthood was harder than we anticipated.  We had been assured by our experienced family and friends that "things get easier" and "sleepless nights don't last forever" but until recently, we were understandably skeptical.  Post baby was definitely harder than pre baby.  Then one day, like magic, we knew what we were doing.  We had become parents.  Pros' in fact.  The new normal had arrived and with Summer right around the corner, it was just in time.

Summer in Germany means mid-80 degree days and warm evenings.  Still fairly hot for us English, but a far cry from the 100 degree Summers of Washington DC.

Lately, we've been taking advantage of the lovely weather and enjoying our meals outside.  Sometimes we walk to the park, lay down a blanket, open a bottle and dine European style.  Bread, olives, cheese and wine, combined with a little people watching, make for a tasty and relaxing treat.


IMG_8961-3


For those of you enjoying your warm days dining under the sun, this recipe is for you.  Either just out of the pan or just out of the picnic basket, these Pea, Basil and Halloumi Fritters are delicious.  Serve them hot with roasted cherry tomatoes for a light dinner.  Or eat cold leftover fritters with sweet chilli jam and salad for a tasty lunch.


IMG_9024-3


I'd like to thank you all for your patience during my absence.  It feels great to be back.  And I can't wait to share more deliciousness!


IMG_8977-2



Pea, Basil & Halloumi Fritters
Fresh peas are a wonderful component to this dish; however, they are not essential.  If they are not available to you or you're simply short on time, frozen peas work just as well.


100g all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
160 ml (2/3 cup) milk
1 egg
120g (3/4 cup) fresh or frozen peas
2 large spring onions, finely chopped
250g halloumi cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
Large handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
Generous sprinkling red chili flakes
Salt & black pepper
Olive oil

Boil the peas for 2 minutes (only cook for 30 seconds or so if frozen) then drain and refresh under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, egg and milk and whisk to make a smooth batter.
Season the batter with salt, red chili flakes and plenty of black pepper.  Then add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Heat a little olive oil in a large non stick pan over medium-high heat.  Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and cook in batches for 2-3 minutes each side.  Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Makes approximately 12 fritters.

16 comments:

  1. Lovely post Jennie. I was actually thinking of you the other day. Good to hear that things have settled into "normal". Your recipe sounds delicious but as you said with 100 degrees and the humidity in DC better to have it indoors ;). Thanks for your nice comments.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gorgeous dish and you're using one of my favourite cheeses...Halloumi!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Luis! : ) There are many things I miss about DC but the heat is definitely not one of them!

    Peter - Thank you! Halloumi is one of my favourites too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. have missed your beautiful photographs and recipes. welcome back!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so excited that you're back Jennie! All of your fresh flavored recipes never cease to appeal to me. I adore halloumi and these really are the perfect summer food!

    ReplyDelete
  6. wow these look amazing your right about becoming a parent hard at first gets easier we are expecting our second in August back to sleepness nights ekk
    love Germany enjoy a fab European summer

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  7. This recipe looks fabulous! I bet it's pretty delicious too - Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jennie welcome back. Don't worries I went through the same when my boy was born, and blogged about him all the time. In fact every year for his birthday I write him bday letter. Sleeping is always an issue when babies are born. My Matthew is three now, and if I remember correctly he started to sleep better after he turned two.

    Your recipes are always so inviting, and photos are amazing, you got a real dual going here, and may be if you include some photos of your baby, we will see the complete picture.

    Thanks for dropping by ... and welcome back again. Anna :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jennie, nice to have you back. You have been terribly missed!
    Those fritters look so lovely and delish!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow these look GREAT! The pea pictures are just fantastic. I hope your little boy grows up trying all of these wonderful things :-)

    Glad you are back!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yum, these sound delish!! I want to make some now! Love how fresh & bright your photos are too - the colours are awesome :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. These look scrumptious and I love halloumi cheese! Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello, Jennie
    I am glad by a reencounter with you.

    The reopening of the art dish will make people happy.
    The charm is excellent.

    Thank you very much for your visit!
    Have a good weekend.

    Greetings.
    ruma

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your photography is just stunning!

    Oh and, anything with the word fritter included, count me in, twice!

    ReplyDelete
  15. These look super tasty. And I agree w. the above comments, your photography really is amazing!

    ReplyDelete