Description
Green Olive and Herb Welsh Cakes are a savory twist on the classic Welsh cakes, featuring briny green olives, capers, and fresh herbs, with a cheesy option and garlic butter custard coating. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, these cakes offer a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 leek, washed and finely sliced (or use spring onions)
7 oz plain flour (or white spelt flour)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
3 ½ oz unsalted butter (chilled and diced)
1 ¾ oz green olives (pitted and roughly chopped)
2 tbsp baby capers (drained)
1 bunch of dill (roughly chopped)
1 bunch of parsley (roughly chopped)
3 oz cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese, grated, optional)
1 egg (or 3 tbsp soy yoghurt for a vegan version)
2 tbsp milk (whole or plant-based)
For the Garlic Butter Custard:
½ cup melted butter
1 egg
¼ cup milk
2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
2–3 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan, add leeks (or spring onions) with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 8 minutes until softened. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Make the Dough: Sift flour and bicarbonate of soda into the bowl with leeks. Rub the butter into the flour until breadcrumb-like texture. Add olives, capers, herbs, and cheese (optional). Season with salt and pepper, then mix.
- Form the Dough: Stir in the egg (or soy yoghurt) and a splash of milk. Adjust milk as needed to form a dough that is not sticky.
- Shape the Cakes: Roll dough on a floured surface to 1.5 cm thick. Alternatively, divide into golf-ball-sized portions, press down, and shape into circles using a 5 cm round cutter.
- Cook the Welsh Cakes: Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Cook the cakes for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, flipping often.
- Serve: Serve warm with chutney or a salad. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or top with extra cheese.
Notes
Vegan Version: Use soy yoghurt instead of egg and substitute vegan butter and vegan cheese for dairy versions.
Herb Variations: Add thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
Cheese Option: Skip cheese or use non-dairy cheese for a lighter option.
Additional Fillings: Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Welsh cake
- Calories: 200–250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: undefined