Transform Dinner with These Irresistible Savory Pancakes
If you think pancakes are one of the best things ever, then we’re on the same page. While ancient folks baked them on stones, we’re lucky to have all kinds of ingredients and modern kitchen gadgets to create endless pancake variations today.
**Why Savory Pancakes?**
Let’s settle the age-old debate: savory or sweet pancakes? Many people swear by sweet pancakes topped with maple syrup or Nutella, but I’m here to make the case for savory pancakes being even better. Here’s why:
1. **Versatility:** You can add a wide range of ingredients to savory pancakes. Think bacon, sausage, or even veggies for a healthier twist.
2. **Meal Replacement:** Savory pancakes can easily replace lunch or dinner. Sweet pancakes, no matter how delicious, don’t quite fit the bill as a full meal.
3. **Sneaky Veggies:** Savory pancakes are perfect for sneaking vegetables into your kids’ diet. Blend spinach and parsley into the batter, or hide onions and chives in potato-based pancakes. They’ll eat their veggies without even realizing it!
**Potato-Based Pancakes**
Potato pancakes are a must-try. Whether you use leftover mashed potatoes or shredded boiled ones, you’re in for a treat. Potatoes give the pancakes a creamy texture that pairs well with sour cream, chives, onions, or even zucchini.
The best potato-based pancake recipe might just be the Boxty, an Irish potato pancake. Made with grated and mashed potatoes, flour, and milk, these pancakes serve as a base for various toppings and sauces. Want to get your kids to eat mushrooms, garlic, and onions? Add them to your Boxty. Just don’t add beer for the kids; beef broth works great instead.
**Allium Pancakes**
The term “allium” may sound fancy, but it simply refers to garlic, onions, scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives. While adults might love the aroma of these ingredients, kids are often less enthusiastic. The answer? Allium-packed pancakes!
Try making Chinese scallion pancakes, also known as Cong You Bing. These crispy pancakes are kid-friendly and even more delicious when dipped in soy sauce.
Or, how about a Korean version? Buchujeon, or garlic chive pancakes, are visually appealing with their darker green color and open to ingredient experimentation. Feel free to add more vegetables or even seafood.
**Cabbage Pancakes**
Yes, I love Asian-inspired pancakes, and for good reason! Japanese Okonomiyaki pancakes use a cabbage-based batter, making them a fantastic way to use up leftover cabbage. The name means “how you like,” so you can customize them with various ingredients. Popular toppings include mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame seeds, and green onions. Feeling adventurous? Add some shrimp or bacon.
Even if you’re still loyal to sweet pancakes, I hope I’ve piqued your interest in trying some savory recipes. Pancake dinners are quicker to prepare than traditional meals like pork chops or meatloaf and can be just as nutritious and satisfying. Give savory pancakes a shot—they might just become your new favorite!
