Different types of pancakes

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Pancakes don't always have to feature fruit.

Pancakes don’t always have to feature fruit.

When most people think of pancakes, they think of the sweet, fruity types that grace their plates at the breakfast table. Mixed with blueberries, strawberries and bananas, pancakes are often a top morning treat.

What do you do when you want the cake but without the normal–and sometimes, boring–ingredients? You spice it up with savory and exciting additions and make different types of pancakes.

Scallion Pancakes

If you’re looking for the light, delicate texture that pancakes provide, but want a bit of savory flavor for an added edge, try giving scallion pancakes a try. These gourmet, tasty treats have an Asian influence and are an exciting way to make different types of pancakes.

To make these unique pancakes, combine 2/3-cup of flour with 1/4-cup warm water and 1/4-tsp. of onion powder. Knead the mixture for about five minutes or until the dough is smooth. Cover the dough with a moist kitchen towel or inverted bowl for about 45 minutes to an hour, to allow the dough to proof.

Divide the ball into six pieces, then roll each piece into a ball that is about four inches in size. Apply a thin coating of sesame oil to each ball, then sprinkle the balls with minced scallions and a bit of salt, to taste. Flatten the balls, then roll them almost like you would a jelly roll. Stretch and pull on each roll to form ropes. Wrap the rope into a coil and tuck the ends under and allow the dough to soak in the sesame oil for about 20 minutes.

Drain each pancake on a paper towel, then roll them flat. Cook each pancake in a skillet and sautee in butter or oil until golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve. Consider serving the pancakes with hummus, soy sauce or hot chili sauce for additional flair.

Beer Pancakes

Anyone who has cooked with beer typically adores the sweet, yet complex flavor beer brings to food. Even those who don’t normally like the taste of beer often adore the way it tastes when cooked. Beer combined with pancake batter creates a light, yet deep flavor profile that goes well with both sweet and savory toppings.

Before you begin, think about the quality of ingredients you are using. Food always tastes better when it is made with ingredients that are top notch. For instance, consider using organic, whole-grain flour for your pancakes. The quality of your ingredients in reflected in the taste of your finished product. Therefore, always choose the best you can.

Sift together 1 2/3-cups of flour with one tsp. each of salt and baking powder and two tsp. sugar. In a separate bowl, beat together two egg yolks, one tbsp. butter, one cup beer and 2/3-cup milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until smooth. Stiffly beat one egg white and add it immediately to the mixture.

Pour the pancake batter on a greased griddle or skillet and make them whichever size you desire. Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the top, then turn and cook until they are golden brown.

Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes are tasty, savory and have many flavorful ingredients that combine to make one delightful end result. These palate-pleasers taste great alone, or served with sour cream or applesauce.

Place 1/4-cup each of flour and milk, two eggs, one-half of a small onion, one tsp. of salt and 1/4-tsp. each of garlic, onion powder and baking powder into a blender and blend until smooth. Add two cups of raw, peeled and cubed potatoes and process until the potatoes are grated. Take care not to over-blend or the potatoes will lose their texture and consistency.

You could also grate the potatoes and onions by hand and squeeze out the extra liquid from each before adding them to the rest of the ingredients.

Pour the batter onto a well-greased griddle and cook until brown on both sides. Push down on the cakes with the spatula to make them thin.

Forget your boring, everyday pancakes and surprise your family–and guests–with these jazzed-up, savory gourmet food versions of the traditional morning fare. Use your creativity and add your favorite ingredients to make different types of pancakes.

References:
Cooks.com: Scallion Pancakes
Pancakes-Recipes.com: Beer Pancakes Recipe
Cooks.com: Potato Pancakes