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Green Olive and Herb Welsh Cakes

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 Welsh cakes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Welsh, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

23 tbsp minced garlic

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

½ tsp paprika


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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