Packed with the goodness of pumpkin, carrots, and vibrant vegetables, these Savory Pumpkin and Vegetable Pancakes are a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish that’s perfect for any meal. Enhanced with herbs, spices, and melted mozzarella, these pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They pair beautifully with a creamy cucumber herb sauce made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs, adding a refreshing and tangy element. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or light meal, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

• Eggs: 3
• Milk: 200 ml
• Flour (All-Purpose): 200 g (7 oz)
• Pumpkin: 400 g (14 oz), grated
• Carrot: 1, grated
• Butter: For greasing
• Oil: For frying
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Tomatoes: 3, chopped
• Red Pepper: 1, diced
• Leek: 1, finely chopped
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped
• Salt, Paprika: To taste
• Dry Herbs (of your choice): To taste
• Breadcrumbs: For coating
• Mozzarella: 100 g (3.5 oz), shredded

For the Sauce:

• Greek Yogurt: 200 g (7 oz)
• Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
• Salt, Black Pepper: To taste
• Peppers: Finely chopped
• Parsley and Dill: Fresh, chopped
• Cucumber: 1, finely grated
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Steps to Make It:

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

1. Grate the Vegetables:
   • Grate the pumpkin and carrot using a medium-sized grater. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Gradually add the flour and mix until smooth.
3. Incorporate the Vegetables:
   • Fold in the grated pumpkin, carrot, diced red pepper, and chopped leek. Add minced garlic, paprika, and dry herbs. Mix until well combined.
4. Add Cheese and Season:
   • Stir in shredded mozzarella and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat the Oil:
   • Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Form the Pancakes:
   • Scoop a portion of the batter and flatten it into a round pancake shape in the skillet.
3. Cook Until Golden:
   • Fry each pancake for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Prepare the Base:
   • In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth.
2. Add Flavorings:
   • Mix in grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, and peppers. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Chill the Sauce:
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve

• Arrange the warm pancakes on a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve alongside a generous dollop of the creamy cucumber herb sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Calcium: 12% DV

FAQs

1. Can I bake these pancakes instead of frying?
Yes! Place the pancakes on a greased baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

3. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
Cheddar, gouda, or feta cheese are great alternatives.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Zucchini, spinach, or finely chopped mushrooms can be added to the batter for extra nutrients and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

1. Remove Excess Moisture:
   • Squeeze grated vegetables thoroughly to prevent the batter from becoming watery.
2. Season Generously:
   • Vegetables absorb flavors, so don’t skimp on the herbs and spices.
3. Cook on Medium Heat:
   • Avoid high heat to ensure the pancakes cook evenly and don’t burn.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   • Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the pancakes.
5. Customize the Sauce:
   • Add lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a zesty or spicy twist.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
   • Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness.
2. Freezing:
   • Arrange cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen.
   • Reheat directly from frozen in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.
3. Sauce Storage:
   • Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Conclusion

Savory Pumpkin and Vegetable Pancakes with Creamy Cucumber Herb Sauce are a versatile and flavorful dish that perfectly balances comfort and nutrition. The combination of crispy, golden pancakes with the cool and refreshing herb sauce creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as a snack, or even as a light dinner, this dish is bound to impress.

The recipe is not only easy to follow but also highly adaptable. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, or cheeses to make it your own. The creamy cucumber herb sauce adds a refreshing contrast, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

Try these pancakes today and discover a new favorite way to enjoy pumpkin and vegetables. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!