April Morning Pancakes
Savory corn and grain pancakes with toasted onion, chervil and sunflower seeds. Easy batter, topping ideas, swaps and storage tips.
Inspired by a beautiful April spring day, and a recent (while in Chicago) visit to The Spice House in Evanston IL where I procured, among other things, a re-supply of their Lakeshore Drive seasoning, and – for this recipe – their Toasted Onion, Minced, and dried Chervil… I suppose you could use ordinary dried diced onion if you don’t have the “toasted onion” mentioned, but the flavor of their toasted onion is febbalus (Bayern for ‘fabulous’…das Schmekt!!)
Submitted by: M.B. "Mellow Haus" Adelson from Tallahassee, FL
Yield: 4-6 servings
- These are savory corn-and-grain pancakes flavored with toasted minced onion, dried chervil, and toasted sunflower seeds.
- Mix dry ingredients, fold in wet mix and corn, then cook on a medium-low griddle until golden and bubbly, flipping once.
- Serve sweet or savory: maple or honey, or tomato with a runny fried egg, salsa, creme fraiche and chives; batter and cooked cakes store well.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ordinary dried onion instead of toasted minced onion?
Yes. Regular dried diced onion works, but toasting brings a nuttier, deeper flavor. To toast at home, spread dried or fresh minced onion in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned, or bake briefly in a 350 F oven. Use the same amount, then taste and adjust.
What can I substitute for dried chervil?
Chervil is mild with a hint of anise. Good substitutes are flat-leaf parsley plus a tiny pinch of tarragon or fennel frond, or use dill or fresh parsley alone. Start with the same volume and adjust to taste.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned yellow corn?
Absolutely. Use about 1 1/2 cups of fresh corn kernels to replace the 15 ounce can. If using canned corn, drain it first. With fresh corn you may need a touch less liquid depending on how juicy the kernels are.
How do I know the griddle temperature and when to flip the pancakes?
Preheat the griddle to medium-low. Cook until the edges look set and small bubbles appear on the surface, then flip once. Each side should be golden brown. If they brown too fast, lower the heat.
Can I make the batter ahead or freeze the pancakes?
Yes. Batter can rest covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cooked pancakes freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen pancakes in a 350 F oven or toaster oven until heated through to keep them crisp.
How can I make these dairy-free or egg-free?
For dairy-free, swap regular milk for plant milk like oat or soy. For egg-free, use a flax egg for each egg (1 tablespoon ground flax plus 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). Texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
How do I adjust batter thickness and what are good serving ideas?
If batter is too thick add milk a tablespoon at a time. If too thin add a bit more flour or cereal mix. Serve sweet with maple syrup or honey, or savory with chopped tomato and a runny fried egg, salsa, creme fraiche and chives, or with bacon and pickled vegetables.
Can I use ordinary dried onion instead of toasted minced onion?
Yes. Regular dried diced onion works, but toasting brings a nuttier, deeper flavor. To toast at home, spread dried or fresh minced onion in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned, or bake briefly in a 350 F oven. Use the same amount, then taste and adjust.
What can I substitute for dried chervil?
Chervil is mild with a hint of anise. Good substitutes are flat-leaf parsley plus a tiny pinch of tarragon or fennel frond, or use dill or fresh parsley alone. Start with the same volume and adjust to taste.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned yellow corn?
Absolutely. Use about 1 1/2 cups of fresh corn kernels to replace the 15 ounce can. If using canned corn, drain it first. With fresh corn you may need a touch less liquid depending on how juicy the kernels are.
How do I know the griddle temperature and when to flip the pancakes?
Preheat the griddle to medium-low. Cook until the edges look set and small bubbles appear on the surface, then flip once. Each side should be golden brown. If they brown too fast, lower the heat.
Can I make the batter ahead or freeze the pancakes?
Yes. Batter can rest covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cooked pancakes freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen pancakes in a 350 F oven or toaster oven until heated through to keep them crisp.
How can I make these dairy-free or egg-free?
For dairy-free, swap regular milk for plant milk like oat or soy. For egg-free, use a flax egg for each egg (1 tablespoon ground flax plus 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). Texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
How do I adjust batter thickness and what are good serving ideas?
If batter is too thick add milk a tablespoon at a time. If too thin add a bit more flour or cereal mix. Serve sweet with maple syrup or honey, or savory with chopped tomato and a runny fried egg, salsa, creme fraiche and chives, or with bacon and pickled vegetables.
Hi! I’d like to try this recipe, but in the instructions they indicate to add oil to make the batter and there is no oil type or quantity indicated in the ingredients section. For now, I’ll just put an average rating, until I can get the right recipe dialed in. Looks good, though.
Hi! I’d like to try this recipe, but in the instructions they indicate to add oil to make the batter and there is no oil type or quantity indicated in the ingredients section. For now, I’ll just put an average rating, until I can get the right recipe dialed in. Looks good, though.