Bursting with the wholesome flavors of summer, these delicious Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes are as light and sunny as a warm summer's day. They bring together the gentle sweetness of squash and the nuanced aroma of chives to create a unique and enticing dish that can work as a brilliant breakfast option or a delightful side dish.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are easily found in your local supermarket. The Summer Squash, which forms the base of this dish, comes in several varieties. The most common are the yellow and zucchini variants. If you cannot find fresh chives, you can use dried ones instead, but the flavor may vary slightly.
Ingredients for Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes
Squash: A summer vegetable used for its mild and sweet flavor.
Egg and egg white: Adds structure and helps in binding the ingredients together.
Flour: Provides body to the pancakes and helps them hold their shape.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise.
Garlic: Adds a kick of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a deliciously salty and tangy taste.
Chives: Adds a subtle onion-like flavor and vibrant color.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
Olive oil spray: Used for cooking the pancakes and adds a rich taste.
One reader, Josefina Jester says:
These summer squash and chive pancakes are a game-changer! The savory flavors of the squash and chive perfectly complement each other. The pancakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with freshness. They make a delightful addition to any summer brunch. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Cooking Techniques for Squash and Chive Pancakes
How to prepare the squash: Boil the squash in a pot until soft, then drain and pulse in a food processor until chopped.
How to mix the batter: Combine the chopped squash with egg, egg white, flour, baking powder, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, chives, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
How to cook the pancakes: Heat a large skillet on medium heat, spray lightly with oil, drop ¼ cupful of the batter, slightly flatten with the back of a spoon, and cook until golden on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.
How To Make Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes
These chive pancakes made altogether with yellow squash, fresh chives, eggs, and Parmesan cheese are perfect for a side dish on a summer day!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupssquash,cooked, shredded from 3½ yellow squash
- 1egg
- 1egg white
- ⅔cupflour
- ½tspbaking powder
- 1garlic clove,crushed
- ⅓cupParmesan cheese
- 3tbspchives,fresh, chopped
- ½tspkosher salt
- pinchfresh cracked pepper
- olive oil spray
Instructions
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Add the squash to a medium pot and cover with water.
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Bring to a boil and cover. Cook until soft.
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When soft, drain, then add to a food processor and pulse for a few times until chopped.
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Add 2 cups of squash to a medium bowl.
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Combine the squash with the remaining ingredients except for the oil and mix well.
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Heat a large skillet on medium heat. When hot, spray lightly with oil and reduce the heat to medium-low.
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Drop ¼ cupful of the batter, slightly flattening them with the back of a spoon, and cook a few minutes or until golden.
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Turn and cook the other side until golden.
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Set aside and repeat with the remaining batter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 214.05kcal
- Fat: 9.04g
- Saturated Fat: 3.05g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.88g
- Carbohydrates: 24.45g
- Fiber: 1.78g
- Sugar: 0.29g
- Protein: 9.37g
- Cholesterol: 48.42mg
- Sodium: 300.08mg
- Calcium: 227.00mg
- Potassium: 317.09mg
- Iron: 1.21mg
- Vitamin A: 60.46µg
- Vitamin C: 9.24mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes
When preparing your summer squash and chive pancakes, it's important to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough pancakes. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture. Also, remember to cook the pancakes on medium-low heat. This allows the pancakes to cook evenly without burning. If the heat is too high, the outside of the pancakes may burn before the inside is fully cooked. Lastly, when flipping the pancakes, do it gently to maintain their shape and structure.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the squash, chives, and garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the squash, saving time and effort compared to hand chopping.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing the extra pancakes for a quick and convenient meal later on.
Non-stick skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the pancakes from sticking and to make the cooking process easier.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe to avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Substitute Ingredients For Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes Recipe
squash - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for summer squash in this recipe as it has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture to the pancakes.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can be used as a substitute for chives, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the pancakes.
Plating Ideas for Squash and Chive Pancakes
Elevate the pancake stack: Carefully stack the pancakes in a neat and elegant tower, ensuring each layer is visible and well-balanced.
Garnish with chive oil: Drizzle a small amount of vibrant green chive oil in an artistic pattern around the plate to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh chive flavor.
Add a dollop of herbed crème fraîche: Place a small quenelle of herbed crème fraîche on top of the pancake stack for a creamy and tangy element that complements the savory flavors.
Sprinkle with edible flower petals: Lightly scatter colorful and edible flower petals over the pancakes for a visually stunning and delicate touch, adding a hint of floral aroma.
Serve on a bed of microgreens: Present the pancakes on a bed of vibrant and fresh microgreens to create a beautiful contrast and enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Create an elegant drizzle of balsamic reduction around the plate, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the presentation.
Add a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan: Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of finely grated parmesan over the top, adding a touch of savory richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Squash Pancakes
- Medium pot: A medium-sized cooking vessel used for boiling or simmering ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, or puree food quickly and efficiently.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Squash Pancakes
- Once the pancakes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the summer squash and chive pancakes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- After freezing, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each pancake with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen summer squash and chive pancakes can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the pancakes, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pancakes on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
- For best results, consume the reheated pancakes immediately, as they may lose their crispness over time.
How To Reheat Leftover Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes
The best way to reheat leftover summer squash and chive pancakes is to use a skillet or griddle on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter over medium heat, then place the pancakes in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy.
Another option is to reheat the pancakes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can also broil the pancakes for 1-2 minutes after reheating in the oven.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the pancakes in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, depending on the number of pancakes and your microwave's power. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to the stovetop or oven methods.
For a creative twist, try cutting the leftover pancakes into smaller pieces and sautéing them with some vegetables and protein of your choice to create a quick and tasty hash. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a new meal.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also reheat the pancakes using this appliance. Simply place the pancakes on the toaster oven rack and heat for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until heated through. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
Interesting Trivia About Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes
The summer squash and chive pancakes recipe is a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your meals. Summer squash is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and manganese. Chives not only add a delicious flavor to the pancakes but also contain essential nutrients like vitamin K and antioxidants. This recipe provides a tasty and nutritious way to enjoy the abundance of summer produce.
Budget-Friendly: Making Squash Pancakes at Home
This summer squash and chive pancakes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as squash, flour, and eggs, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of chives and parmesan cheese enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10, making it an economical choice. The versatility of this dish also adds value, as it can be served as a side or a light main course. Overall Verdict: 8.
Are Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes Healthy?
This summer squash and chive pancake recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, squash is a nutritious vegetable rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. The recipe also includes chives, which offer a mild onion flavor and contain vitamins K and C. However, the use of white flour and Parmesan cheese increases the carbohydrate and fat content, respectively.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Replace the white flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond or chickpea flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella to decrease the saturated fat content
- Add more vegetables to the batter, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to boost the fiber and nutrient profile
- Use a heart-healthy oil like avocado or coconut oil for cooking instead of olive oil spray
- Serve the pancakes with a side of fresh greens or a yogurt-based sauce to balance the meal
By incorporating these changes, you can transform this recipe into a more nutrient-dense and well-rounded dish that still delivers on flavor and texture. The key is to focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients and make simple swaps that enhance the overall nutritional profile without compromising taste.
Editor's Opinion on This Squash Pancake Recipe
This summer squash and chive pancake recipe is a delightful way to showcase the flavors of fresh summer produce. The combination of tender squash, savory chives, and nutty Parmesan cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of garlic adds a subtle depth, while the addition of baking powder ensures a light and fluffy texture. The pancakes are easy to prepare and make a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a light main course. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and inventive way to enjoy the bounty of the season.
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Why trust this Summer Squash and Chive Pancakes Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, incorporating fresh summer squash and aromatic chive. The combination of these fresh ingredients creates a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer brunch or a light dinner. The use of parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element, while the addition of garlic infuses the pancakes with a subtle depth of flavor. With the added benefit of being a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a delicious and nutritious dish.
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