Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is traditionally the day when Christians went to confessions and were “shriven”, which means being absolved of their sins, before they began the 40-day fasting period of Lent, leading up to Easter.
There are various traditions around Britain to mark pancake day, including pancake races, but one close to us in Scarborough, Yorkshire involves skipping! People assemble on the promenade to skip and long ropes are stretched across the road where there might be ten or more people skipping on one rope. The origin of this custom is unknown but skipping was once a magical game, which was linked with the sowing and spouting of seeds.
Pancakes were an ideal way to use up all the eggs and fat in the household before the period of fasting began with Ash Wednesday. However, many people now are trying plant-based eating and we’ve included a great recipe below for vegan pancakes. (Thanks to the BBC Good Food Recipe website.)
They are great with organic maple syrup, lemons and vegan choccy spread 😊
Enjoy!
Easy Vegan Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 300g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar (any kind)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 400ml plant-based milk (such as oat, almond or soya)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
To serve (optional)
- banana slices, blueberries, maple syrup, vegan chocolate chips, plant-based yogurt
Method
Step 1
Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt in a bowl using a balloon whisk until mixed. Slowly pour in the milk until you get a smooth, thick batter.
Step 2
Heat a little of the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-low heat, and add 2 tbsp batter into the pan at a time to make small, round pancakes. You will need to do this in batches of two-three at a time. Cook for 3-4 mins until the edges are set, and bubbles are appearing on the surface. Flip the pancakes over and cook for another 2-3 mins until golden on both sides and cooked through. Keep warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining pancakes.
Step 3
Serve stacked with lots of toppings of your choice, or serve with bowls of toppings for everyone to help themselves.