Appetizers
Laverbread Fritters with Bacon
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) laverbread
- 60 g (1/2 cup) medium oatmeal
- 8 rashers streaky bacon
- 1 tbsp butter
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Method
- In a bowl, combine the laverbread with the oatmeal, mixing well until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small, flat patties, about 6 cm (2.5 inches) across.
- Fry the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same pan, add the butter and fry the laverbread patties for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly crisp on the outside.
- Season with black pepper.
- Serve the fritters topped with crisp bacon and a wedge of lemon.
Introduction: Laverbread, made from boiled and puréed edible seaweed, is a distinctly Welsh delicacy, especially treasured in Swansea and the Gower.
Cultural Background: Laverbread, made from boiled and puréed edible seaweed, is a distinctly Welsh delicacy, especially treasured in Swansea and the Gower. Mixed with oatmeal and pan-fried, then paired with crisp bacon, these small fritters make a popular savoury starter that showcases the sea's contribution to Welsh cuisine.
Tips: Frying the fritters in the bacon fat left in the pan adds extra flavour. Keep the patties small and flat so they cook through evenly and develop a good crust. A squeeze of lemon just before eating brightens the dish nicely.
Variations: Serve on toast for a more substantial starter. Add a poached egg on top for a heartier version. Use smoked bacon for extra depth of flavour. A vegetarian version can omit the bacon and serve the fritters with a poached egg instead.
Storage: Best eaten fresh; laverbread mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before frying.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a frying pan for 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 210 kcal, 12 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 14 g fat, 2 g fibre.
FAQs:
Q: Where can I buy laverbread?
A: It's sold at Welsh markets, particularly in Swansea, and increasingly at specialty grocers and online.
Q: What does laverbread taste like?
A: It has a distinctive, mildly briny, savoury flavour, similar in character to other seaweed preparations, with a soft, purée-like texture.
Q: Can I make this dish without bacon?
A: Yes, the fritters can be served on their own or with a poached egg for a vegetarian option.
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