winter root veggie fritters // spicy vegan aioli

This time of year in Northern New England can be a challenging time. Long cold & snowy months, less sunlight in the day, but it does come with its pluses; cozy dinners, ice skating & root veggies. I am lucky to live in a area where there is a rather large winter farmers market that offers a variety goods. I love keeping the local connection to our farmers year round. Though they are becoming ever more creative in extending the growing season for summer crops; you can still find greenhouse grown tomatoes, hardy greens and sprouts. Most likely at the market this time of year, you will find yourself surrounded by hearty root vegetables, freshly milled flours, baked goods, homemade soups, beans & canned goods. 

For me, the challenge has always been how to creatively use these beautiful root veggies without getting overly tired of them before the end of the winter season. Luckily, root veggies are pretty versatile - mashed, roasted, pureed are just some of the most common methods of preparation. However, once shredded they take on a totally different personality. Much like a latkes, these root veggie fritters are fried in a bit of oil, then popped in the oven to finish off.

It is hard to see in the picture, but tucked away in the center is a massive black radish. One of the best things about supporting your local farmers is being exposed to new varieties of familiar veggies. I am willing to bet your standard local grocery store isn't stocking black radish- at least mine isn't. Knowing where our food comes from is very important to Justin and I. Being able to have a conversation with the person who grew the food that will grace our table is amazing, I love learning their favorite way of preparing a veggie they grew, the best way to store it and why they decided to grow that particular variety. The relationships I have formed over the years with local growers has been such a wonderful experience- it makes us a better , stronger community.

A quick chickpea batter binds the shredded veggies, a little maple syrup is added for a touch of sweetness- this is especially needed if you select spicier root veggies for your fritters; radish, turnips. The maple syrup also helps to bring the natural sweetness out of the carrots and sweet potatoes. A quick and easy spicy aioli tops the fritters, the perfect balance of sweet & spicy - they are also excellent served alongside garlicky winter greens or a warm lentil salad with pita.

Is it important to you to know where your food comes from?

Is your community actively involved in spreading local eating and supporting area growers?

 Winter Root Veggie Fritters ~ Spicy Vegan Aioli
makes 13 fritters

you will need:
6-8 cups total shredded root veggies- I used
1 large black radish 

1 medium sweet potato 

3 large carrots 

4 small white potatoes

2 small Shallots - diced

2 tbsp maple syrup 

s & p to taste

2 cups garbanzo bean flour 

1 1/2 cups almond milk 

1/4 cup or so canola oil for frying 

1/4 cup vegan mayo
2 tsp shiracha sauce
 
assembly:
 pre heat oven to 350*

Fit your food processor with the grater attachment- run all scrubbed veggies through the grater. Alternatively, veggies can be grated by hand.

In a large mixing bowl, combine diced shallots, maple syrup, salt & pepper , garbanzo bean flour & almond milk- stir until well mixed. Add grated veggies and fold into the batter ensuring everything is well mixed together.

Place a baking sheet in the pre heated oven.

Heat oil in a rimmed saute pan - a generous 1/2 cup at a time, with your hands form veggie mixture into patties. Place patties in heated oil (careful not to overcrowd) and pan fry each side until golden brown. Transfer fritters to the baking sheet in the oven.

Once all fritters  have been pan fried and placed onto the baking sheet bake for 15- 20 min - if needed flip halfway through cooking to prevent one side from becoming overly crisp. I used a stone baking sheet and did not need to flip- you can also place a raised wire rack onto your baking sheet and bake the fritters on the rack which will allow the heat to evenly move around the entire fritter.

Remove fritters from oven and serve immediately. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the toaster oven, oven or microwave.

While the fritters are baking, make the aioli simply by combining all ingredients in a bowl and mixing well- adjust the siracha adding more or less to your liking.