Chewy Zucchini and Chive Ring Pancakes
Chewy Zucchini and Chive Ring Pancakes
Typically, pancakes involve coating ingredients in flour and then dipping them in egg before frying. However, for those who aren’t fond of eggs, here’s a recipe for Zucchini and Chive Ring Pancakes that skips those steps, making them wonderfully simple and fuss-free. The result is a light, clean-tasting pancake that’s incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients- 10 small zucchinis, sliced into 5mm thick rounds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 20g chives
- 5 Tbsp tempura flour
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 10 small zucchinis by slicing them into 5mm thick rounds. To create the ring shape, you can carefully cut out the center using a small round cutter or a knife. This step ensures a beautiful presentation.
Step 2
If you prefer not to have the softer, seedy center, you can trim it away. Lightly season the zucchini rings with 1/2 tsp of salt and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This draws out some moisture, contributing to a chewier texture.
Step 3
Rinse 20g of fresh chives, pat them dry, and then finely chop them. The fragrant chives will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the pancakes.
Step 4
In a blender, combine the removed zucchini centers (or a little bit of chopped zucchini), the chopped chives, and 3 Tbsp of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency for the chive batter.
Step 5
Add 5 Tbsp of tempura flour to the blended chive mixture. You don’t need to add extra salt at this stage. The zucchini has already been lightly salted, and tempura flour often contains seasoning, so the balance should be just right.
Step 6
Mix the tempura flour and chive batter well. The resulting batter should have a consistency that’s neither too thick nor too thin; it should flow smoothly when spooned. This ensures an even coating.
Step 7
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the zucchini rings onto the pan first without any coating. Spoon the chive batter into the center of each zucchini ring. Once the bottom is golden brown, carefully flip the pancake. After flipping, gently press down on the batter with a spatula. This helps the batter adhere firmly to the zucchini as it cooks, preventing separation and creating a cohesive pancake.
Step 8
Finally, garnish the pancakes with thinly sliced red chili peppers for a pop of color and a hint of mild spice. Cook for another minute or so. The chili adds a nice contrast without being too spicy, making it enjoyable for everyone. Once golden and cooked through, your delicious Zucchini and Chive Ring Pancakes are ready to be served!
