How to make the most of pancakes on Pancake Day

Last Updated: 09 February 2024

Whether smothered in sweet syrup or savoury delights, pancakes possess a universal appeal. But beyond the first delicious bite, there's much more to pancakes than you may think. This Pancake Day, let's dive into delicious recipes, clever hacks, and sustainable practices to elevate your pancake experience from batter to bliss.

The recipe:

Firstly, the cornerstone of any pancake adventure is the recipe. Here are two versatile options to kickstart your journey:

Classic Buttermilk Pancakes:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended (don't overmix!).
4. Heat a lightly greased griddle or pan over medium heat.
5. Pour batter onto the griddle, forming circles of desired size.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Enjoy with your favourite toppings!

For a simpler, thinner pancake, leave out the baking powder, soda and buttermilk and whisk all the ingredients before adding to the pan.

Savoury Spiced Chickpea Flour Pancakes:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, spices, and salt.
2. Gradually add water, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
3. Heat a lightly greased griddle or pan over medium heat.
4. Pour batter onto the griddle, forming circles of desired size.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve with savoury toppings like roasted vegetables, avocado, or a poached egg.

The leftovers:

But what happens when the pancake party ends and you're left with a surplus? Here are some ways to ensure your leftover journey is just as delicious as the initial feast:

• Leftover batter: Turn leftover batter into irresistible waffles, fluffy muffins, or even crispy fritters.
• Freeze the flavour: Freeze individual pancakes on a baking sheet, then store in an airtight container for future cravings. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Sweet seconds: Repurpose pancakes into decadent desserts like layered parfaits, crumbles for ice cream, or even homemade pancake cookies.
• Savoury surprise: Leftover pancakes become the perfect base for savoury sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables, hummus, or grilled cheese.

Sustainable disposal:

Finally, if you find yourself with pancake remnants beyond saving, remember this key principle of sustainability: responsible waste disposal. Don't let these delicious treats end up in landfill! If you have a separate food waste collection at home you can dispose of your pancakes and leftover batter in your caddy. By disposing of your pancakes responsibly, your food wastes contributes to a greener future where it is used to make renewable energy and the remainder becomes an organic bio-fertiliser.

Learn more about how we do this here.

Remember, pancakes are not just about the first bite, but about the entire journey – from choosing the perfect recipe to using up the leftovers and responsibly disposing of what's left behind. So, grab your whisk, fire up the griddle, and get cooking!