Ottolenghi shares simple breakfast ideas for weekend gatherings

Yotam Ottolenghi discusses how family life has influenced his cooking, focusing on simple breakfasts like pancakes and menemen. He emphasizes making one large dish for guests to share. The article includes six exclusive recipes from his book Simple Too.

Ottolenghi's home cooking has shifted dramatically since becoming a parent, with pancakes emerging as an unexpected staple that never lasts as long as planned. His weekend philosophy centers on preparing one substantial shared dish rather than multiple individual offerings, allowing hosts to remain seated with guests instead of working at the stove. The recipes draw from his book "Simple Too," emphasizing accessible techniques like cooking eggs off-heat so they set gently in residual pan warmth.

The menemen recipe exemplifies his approach: minimal prep time, common ingredients like cherry tomatoes and cumin, and a single pan that goes directly to the table. Other featured dishes include butter beans with Urfa chilli butter and baked za'atar tomatoes with mascarpone, all designed to feed crowds with toast, salads, or avocado as simple accompaniments.