Top: American-style scallion pancakes. Photo and recipe by Joelen Tan for Krusteaz. Middle: Chinese-style scallion pancakes from Zesty South Indiana Kitchen. Here’s the recipe. Bottom: Monte Cristo Pancakes, like the sandwich but with pancakes instead of bread. Photo courtesy Bakerita.com.

International Pancake Day is held each year on Shrove Tuesday, also called Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras (which is French for Fat Tuesday), and in the U.K., Pancake Day. The date changes each year according to the date of Easter Sunday and can vary from February 3rd to March 9th.

Shrove Tuesday is the last day of feasting before Lent begins, on Ash Wednesday. It is observed mainly in English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. But it is also observed elsewhere.

Each country has its own customary food.

 
Why pancakes?

They’re a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. (The same applies to doughnuts and other pastries). The Lenten fast emphasizes eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure. In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs.

Your Pancake Day celebration does not have to include conventional pancakes with sweet syrup. Here are ideas for the savory palate.

 
RECIPE: EASY SCALLION PANCAKES

This recipe adds garlic powder and sliced scallions to regular pancake batter (or use a conventional Chinese Scallion Pancakes recipe).

Serve them alongside steak and eggs or simply top them with butter. Can you serve them with bacon and sausage? Absolutely!

This recipe was developed by Joelen Tan for Krusteaz, who used its Buttermilk Pancake Mix. Prep time is 5 minutes, and total time is 10-12 minutes.

Ingredients For 4-8 Pancakes

Preparation

1. HEAT a pancake griddle or skillet over medium heat and grease lightly. Whisk together pancake mix, water, garlic powder, and scallions until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.

2. POUR 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated griddle and cook pancakes for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
 
We enjoyed ours served with Korean beef bulgogi and a fried egg, adding an Asian twist to American steak and eggs.
 
MORE SAVORY PANCAKE RECIPES

 
*Shrove is a form of shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one’s sins by way of confession and penance. It was/is customary for Christians to be “shriven” before the start of Lent.