Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes Recipe from Mongolia | Feta, Flour, Water, Oil

Region / culture: Mongolia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Scallion pancakes are a popular Chinese dish that is enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. These savory pancakes are made with a simple dough that is filled with chopped scallions and fried until crispy and golden brown. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

Scallion pancakes have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in northern China, where scallions are abundant and commonly used in cooking. The dish has since spread to other parts of Asia and beyond, becoming a beloved snack or side dish in many countries.

Ingredients

1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 cups flour
1 cup water
0.75 cup finely chopped scallions
oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Mix the flour and water together until a smooth ball of dough forms. Set it aside to rest for 20 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large flat disk. Scatter 0.5 cup of the chopped scallions over the surface of the dough, reserving the remaining 0.25 cup for topping. Roll the dough, jelly-roll style, into a long roll. Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a disk about 0.13" thick.
Pour enough cooking oil into a frying pan to fill it about 0.5" deep, and heat it to frying temperature. To test, drop a tiny pinch of dough into the oil. It should sizzle and float. Slide the scallion flatbreads into the sizzling oil one at a time. Fry them until slightly puffed and golden brown on both sides, turning once. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Divide the feta cheese and remaining chopped scallions into 12 equal portions and sprinkle them over each flatbread. Toast them in the oven at 400°F (204°C) until the cheese is lightly melted. Serve hot. This recipe makes 12 servings.

Variations

Add minced garlic or ginger to the dough for extra flavor.
Substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Add cooked shrimp or pork to the filling for a heartier version of the pancakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest for at least 20 minutes before rolling it out. This will help the gluten relax and make the dough easier to work with.

- When frying the pancakes, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough. The pancakes should sizzle and float when dropped into the oil.

- To prevent the pancakes from becoming soggy, drain them on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve scallion pancakes hot with a side of soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping. They can also be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or soup.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the dough into a jelly-roll style helps create layers in the pancakes, making them flaky and crispy.

- Frying the pancakes in hot oil ensures that they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can use another type of cheese or omit it altogether.

- You can use green onions instead of scallions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the scallion pancakes on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and feta cheese on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Scallion pancakes pair well with hot and sour soup, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover scallion pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of scallion pancakes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of scallion pancakes contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of scallion pancakes contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of scallion pancakes contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Scallion pancakes are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy (feta cheese).

Summary

Scallion pancakes are a delicious and savory dish that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. They make a great snack or appetizer option for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Summary

Scallion pancakes are a delicious and savory dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy these crispy and flavorful pancakes as a snack or appetizer. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Scallion Pancakes. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mei Ling in her small village in China. Mei Ling was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

That day, as I watched Mei Ling prepare a delicious meal for her family, I noticed her making these thin, crispy pancakes filled with scallions. The aroma wafting from the kitchen was absolutely heavenly, and I knew I had to learn how to make them.

Mei Ling noticed my interest and invited me to join her in the kitchen. She explained that Scallion Pancakes were a traditional Chinese dish that was simple to make but required a bit of practice to get just right. She showed me how to mix the dough, roll it out into thin circles, and sprinkle it with chopped scallions before frying it in a hot pan with a bit of oil.

The first few pancakes I made were a bit uneven and not as crispy as Mei Ling's, but with her patient guidance, I soon got the hang of it. The key, she told me, was to roll the dough out thinly and make sure the pan was hot enough to get that perfect crunch.

As we sat down to enjoy the Scallion Pancakes together, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen. I thanked Mei Ling for sharing her culinary expertise with me and made a mental note to practice making these pancakes on my own.

Over the years, I perfected my technique for making Scallion Pancakes, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor, and sometimes I would sprinkle in some sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

I shared the recipe with my own family, and it quickly became a beloved dish at our dinner table. My grandchildren, in particular, loved helping me roll out the dough and sprinkle the scallions, eager to learn the art of making these delicious pancakes.

As the years passed, I continued to make Scallion Pancakes for special occasions and family gatherings. The recipe became a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for sharing delicious meals with the ones I cared about.

One day, my granddaughter asked me where I had learned to make Scallion Pancakes, and I told her the story of my visit to Mei Ling's village in China. I explained how Mei Ling had generously shared her knowledge and expertise with me, inspiring me to become a better cook.

My granddaughter's eyes lit up with curiosity, and she asked if she could learn to make Scallion Pancakes with me. I smiled and nodded, passing down the recipe to yet another generation.

As we stood side by side in the kitchen, rolling out dough and sprinkling scallions, I felt a deep sense of pride and joy. I realized that this recipe, passed down from Mei Ling to me and now to my granddaughter, was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the bonds that unite us across generations.

And as we sat down to enjoy our freshly made Scallion Pancakes, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a cherished part of our family's culinary tradition for years to come. Each bite was a taste of history, a reminder of the love and friendship that had inspired me to learn how to make these delicious pancakes all those years ago.