Savory Stuffed Pancakes with Salad

Savory stuffed pancakes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Paired with a refreshing salad of iceberg lettuce, pea shoots, and cherry tomatoes with a tangy balsamic dressing, this meal is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Ingredients

For the Savory Pancakes:

• 1 cup (about 120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (about 240 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup (about 120 g) sautéed mushrooms
• 1/2 cup (about 120 g) grated cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar works well)
• 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 1 small head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup (about 150 g) pea shoots
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the Pancake Batter:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme until smooth. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes.

2. Cooking the Pancakes:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease with a small amount of butter or oil.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) of the batter into the skillet, swirling it around to evenly coat the bottom.
3. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
4. Transfer the cooked pancake to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.

3. Preparing the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one side of each pancake and fold over to enclose the filling.

4. Assembling the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, pea shoots, cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Serving the Dish:

1. Arrange the filled pancakes on a large serving platter.
2. Serve the pancakes alongside the freshly tossed salad.
3. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon if desired.

Tips and Tricks

• Pancake Consistency: The pancake batter should be thin enough to spread easily in the skillet. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
• Versatile Fillings: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. Try using smoked salmon and cream cheese, sautéed spinach and feta, or roasted vegetables for different variations.
• Perfectly Cooked Pancakes: Use medium heat to cook the pancakes evenly without burning them. Adjust the heat as needed and keep an eye on the pancakes to prevent overcooking.
• Fresh Salad: Use fresh and crisp ingredients for the salad to ensure a refreshing contrast to the savory pancakes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
• Seafood Delight: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a seafood twist.
• Herbed Pancakes: Add fresh chopped herbs like chives, dill, or basil to the pancake batter for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy the process of making and savoring this wonderful dish. Happy cooking!

Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. If you have any other recipes or ideas in mind, I’m here to help!

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