Wholesome Green Fritters: A Flavorful Solution to Fridge Overload and a Culinary Ode to Montreal

There’s a universal culinary dilemma many of us face: a refrigerator overflowing with fresh produce, particularly an abundance of dark, leafy greens. This past Monday morning, I was greeted by a stark reminder of this delightful challenge. My fridge, devoid of staples like milk, eggs, or juice, was instead a verdant haven, boasting two entire drawers packed with greens. Our hurried departure on Friday, dropping the kids off in Vermont before a spontaneous trip to Montreal, meant we returned late Sunday evening, leaving no time for grocery shopping. The impending arrival of the next CSA share later that day only amplified the urgency to utilize these vibrant treasures.

My mind immediately turned to a brilliant solution: Swiss chard fritters. This particular recipe, an Ottolenghi creation from his acclaimed cookbook Jerusalem, had been enthusiastically recommended by my friend Dee this winter. She described it, along with his prawns with tomato and feta and the almond-clementine cake, as “not-to-be-missed” recipes from the book. Ottolenghi’s approach to vegetables is truly transformative, turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, and these fritters are a perfect testament to his genius. They promised to be not just a meal, but a vibrant celebration of the greens themselves.

Crafting the Perfect Green Fritters: A Step-by-Step Culinary Journey

With a mission to transform my fridge’s green bounty, I embarked on making these delightful fritters. The process began by plunging a medley of greens—mustard, turnip, and radish greens, along with a full bunch of kale and, of course, the star, Swiss chard—into a pot of salted boiling water. A quick blanch for about five minutes softened them perfectly, making them amenable to the next steps. After carefully draining and cooling the greens, I squeezed out every last drop of excess water. This crucial step ensures the fritters will be crispy, not soggy, and truly allows the vibrant flavor of the greens to shine through.

Next, the blanched and squeezed greens went into the food processor. This is where the magic truly happens. I added a generous amount of fresh herbs – a fragrant mix of parsley and cilantro, known for their bright, refreshing notes – alongside a heavy grating of fresh nutmeg. Nutmeg, a seemingly unconventional addition, lends a warm, subtly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic depth that beautifully complements the earthy greens. Two large eggs acted as the binding agent, bringing everything together. The food processor whirred until the mixture was a vibrant, herbaceous purée, ready for its final touch.

Once the green base was ready, I transferred it to a large bowl and folded in a generous handful of crumbled feta cheese. The salty, tangy notes of feta are an ideal counterpoint to the greens, adding a delightful creaminess and savory burst with every bite. The batter, now complete, was ready for frying. Before committing to a full batch, I always test one fritter in a small frying pan. This allows me to adjust seasoning—a little more salt, pepper, or nutmeg if needed—ensuring every fritter is perfect. Once satisfied, the flavorful batter was stored in the fridge, patiently awaiting dinnertime.

The result was nothing short of culinary bliss. Crispy on the edges, yet wonderfully creamy and tender in the center, these little fritters were absolute perfection. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the warm fritters elevated their flavors, adding a bright, zesty finish that cut through the richness. They formed the most lovely Meatless Monday meal, satisfying and remarkably flavorful. More importantly, these fritters served a heroic purpose: they single-handedly rescued my refrigerator from the overwhelming dominance of dark, leafy greens. For that, and for the sheer deliciousness, I couldn’t have been more grateful.

A Memorable Weekend Escape to Montreal

Our impromptu trip to Montreal was a refreshing getaway, marking our first delightful Airbnb experience. We chose to stay in the vibrant Mile End neighborhood, a decision that truly enriched our visit. This eclectic area, known for its artistic flair, independent boutiques, and fantastic food scene, immediately captivated us. Our Airbnb itself was charming, offering a perfect base to explore the city.

Traveling truly opens your eyes to beauty in unexpected places. Even the quiet courtyards of Montreal, with their unique charm and urban greenery, proved exciting and offered a peaceful respite from the bustling streets.

Culinary Delights and Market Treasures

Our taste buds were thoroughly indulged throughout the weekend. We started our culinary tour with heavenly pastries from Kouign Amann, a local gem. The rich, buttery, caramelized layers of their namesake pastry were an unforgettable experience, a true highlight for any pastry lover.

A significant portion of our time was happily spent exploring the sprawling Jean Talon Market. This vibrant public market is a feast for the senses, bustling with vendors selling an incredible array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, flowers, and local specialties. It’s a place where you can easily lose track of hours, simply soaking in the atmosphere and discovering new flavors.

Beyond the market, we admired the practical elegance of the cooking demo sink at Les Touilleurs, a renowned kitchenware store that sparks inspiration for any home cook. Of course, no trip to Montreal is complete without savoring its iconic bagels. We stopped at the legendary St. Viateur, where we devoured delectable, wood-fired bagels, still warm from the oven, with their uniquely chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor—a quintessential Montreal experience.

A relaxing afternoon included enjoying midday beers while catching a World Cup match, Greece vs. Columbia, absorbing the city’s casual, friendly vibe.

For a panoramic view of the city, we took the easy route and drove to the top of Mount Royal, a decision that rewarded us with breathtaking vistas of Montreal’s impressive skyline and surrounding landscape. It’s a truly spectacular vantage point.

Our dinner at Le Comptoir was an adventure in itself, featuring a delicate and rich pig liver mousse on a charcuterie plate—a culinary experience that spoke to Montreal’s sophisticated food scene.

We appreciated the charming detail of Weck Jar votives at Sel Gras, showcasing the city’s knack for blending rustic charm with modern aesthetics. Every drop of wine enjoyed throughout our meals added to the relaxed ambiance of the trip.

Even a quick check of the hockey score, a casual nod to Canada’s national sport, was part of the authentic Montreal experience.

After dinner, we made a stop at Café Olympico, a Montreal institution, for the most delectable coffee and affogato. The rich espresso poured over creamy gelato was the perfect sweet ending to our evening.

It was here, amidst the vibrant café atmosphere, that we witnessed Japan score an incredible goal against Ivory Coast, adding another layer of excitement to our night.

Sunday morning brought what was arguably the best meal of our trip at Lawrence. Their flaky, warm currant scone, served with luxurious clotted cream, was an absolute revelation—a testament to exceptional brunch cuisine.

Before heading out of town, a final stop at Arts Café for coffees was a must. This charming spot provided the perfect farewell to our Montreal adventure.

The inviting patio of Arts Café left a lasting impression; we definitely plan to return there on our next visit to this incredible city.

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