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Matzo Meal Pancakes with Salmon Roe, Avocado & Soured Cream
Yes yes, I know I’ve already posted a recipe for Pancake Day this year, but that chocolate-heavy recipe was sweet and this one is savoury. And, besides, I’ve been waiting all year to share this recipe for Matzo Meal Pancakes with you all, and I don’t think I’ll be able to hold on for another year!
Meet these amazing American-style pancakes that are so much lighter than the original, or even polenta pancakes, served with a side of fresh avocado, salmon roe (or smoked salmon if you can’t find any) and a generous dollop of soured cream. Perfect pancakes every time, no buttermilk or yogurt required, and easily made dairy-free by switching out the milk for water.
Ever since I was gifted a copy of Leah Koenig’s The Jewish Cookbook(ad) a couple of years back I’ve been using it in my kitchen to re-discover dishes of my childhood, connect with my heritage and learn more about Jewish cooking around the world. It really is the Book of Jewish Food(ad) of our generation, and it is through this book I discovered these incredible pancakes, which of course I had to gussy up with some deli favourites.
Seriously, I urge you to give these pancakes a go this Shrove Tuesday for a real fusion of cultures; they work just as well with sweet or savoury toppings. And, as I don’t think many of you will have cooked with matzo meal before, I’ve included a few ingredient / shopping / what to do with leftovers that don’t go into these delicious pancakes notes below!
What is matzo meal?
Matzo meal is a fine type of breadcrumbs made from matzo, traditional Jewish unleavened crackers. You can buy regular matzo meal (which we use in this recipe) and fine matzo meal. There is also special Kosher for Passover matzo and matzo meal on sale each spring for the festival.
Where can I buy matzo meal?
Rakusen’s is the most common brand here in the UK. You can buy it in some bigger Sainsbury’s where there is a big Jewish community nearby, and you can also order it from Amazon (ad).
What else can I use matzo meal for?
I’ve always used matzo meal in place of breadcrumbs for frying fish or chicken, and to bind meatballs. Just try it any place you’d usually use dried breadcrumbs. I also use matzo meal in my Matzo Meal Soup, and my Flourless Chocolate Matzo Cookies.
These light, airy pancakes made with matzo meal work great with sweet or savoury toppings, the perfect alternative to classic American buttermilk pancakes!
Ingredients
Scale
65g (2 1/4 oz) matzo meal
1/2 tbsp golden caster (granulated) sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
large pinch sea salt
1 large egg
175ml (3/4 cups) milk
light oil or clarified butter, for frying
1 large ripe avocado
soured cream
salmon roe or smoked salmon
very small handful fresh dill
Instructions
To make the batter mix together the matzo meal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Lightly beat the egg, and stir it, along with the milk into the mixture. Stir well and leave to sit for 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
Meanwhile, heat a little light oil or clarified butter in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat.
Working in batches, fry off spoonfuls of the batter for a few minutes each side. You should make 6 golden pancakes from this mixture.
Serve divided between two plates with the avocado, sliced, a scattering of dill and spoonfuls of soured cream and salmon roe or smoked salmon.
I'm a food writer living in the English Countryside. Welcome to my online diary where I share easy, weeknight recipes, foodie travel diaries and some of the best places I've eaten out recently.
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