Mom's Savory Pancake - Food Pleasure and Health

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Mom’s Savory Pancake

By Dixya

..yesterday I met a girl – in her early twenties, smart, and beautiful..but sadly, she thinks otherwise like – Ugly. Lonely. Unhappy. My heart ached for her. It ached even more for her family who were helpless and devastated..because they received a call from the ER telling them that their child does not want to live anymore..their child overdosed on multiple medications..their child thought dying was the ultimate answer.

While her mother was numb, father remained still. She wiped her hefty tears mixed in with dark mascara as I walked in..She tried, tried very hard to put on a happy face but to no avail because she’s been bleating inside for too long, or at least I thought so.. but honestly, I don’t know and never will know her story, her misery or her past.

But I wanted to hold hands, hug her tight, and tell her it’s all going to be all right. I wanted to tell her you have a loving family. I wanted to tell her you can have a prosperous life ahead. I wanted to tell her … so many things but I did not. Instead I asked her about things like appetite & weight history. I simply did what I had to do and left – with a heavy heart and countless thoughts.

Not even sure why I am telling you all this..maybe because I need to scribble my emotions, or maybe because I am having difficulty forgetting her, her mom’s shocked face, and deep sadness in her father’s eyes..I just pray that she will get strength to fight negative demons and find a way to end her misery through love, positivity, and happiness. Not death.

..I am just going to stop right here because I know could go on and on about a girl and my helplessness but instead I will share a recipe that I learned from my mom. Its not sweet, but savory pancakes with tangy tomato chutney I find comfort in during times like this. Also, I am highlightinga new spice from my pantry : carom seeds in this pancake – they are from the same family as cumin and dill.

It is used a lot in Indian/Nepali cooking mainly for savory dishes and known for its magical home remedy against digestive issues such as gas and diarrhea. When cooked, it has a very mild taste but by itself it’s bitter and peppery. Also, if you have gas after eating beans, add them while cooking and see if it helps. I came across this very helpful link which explains how to use it in cooking: “Use 1/4 tsp per 2 cups of cooked beans to the pot (1 cup dried beans yields approx 3 cups cooked). Count the number of dried beans, multiply by 3 and then count off how many 1/4 tsps you need”.

Savory Pancakes

yields: 6

Ingredients

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoon chickpea flour (besan)

2 teaspoon carom seeds (in Hindi:ajwar, Nepali:jwano)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (in Hindi:haldi, Nepali:besar)

2-3 mushroom, thinly chopped

2 tablespoon carrot, shredded
2 tablespoon zucchini, shredded

2-3 tablespoon part-skim mozzarella, shredded

1-2 chili, chopped(if desired)
2 teaspoon cumin or garam masala

salt as needed

about 1.5 cups water (see notes)

cooking oil or cooking spray

Directions

– In a medium bowl, combine all the above ingredients and mix well. Slowly add water and continue to mix until it becomes a smooth paste.

– Heat a pan over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon cooking oil or use cooking spray and pour 1/4 cup batter in the pan. Use ladle to spread the batter a little bit.

-Allow it to cook for about minutes on each side, flipping the pancakes gently with a spatula.

-Remove from heat and continue with rest of the batter.

Notes:

– Throw in any veggies (thinly chopped/sliced) or boiled and shredded meat of your choice.

–For water- if you add more veggies, it needs to be adjusted accordingly. Add water until it is slightly runny, similar to the consistency of a pancake.

– It stores well in the refrigerator in airtight container for few days. Possibly be frozen but I have not tried that yet.

-Have you dealt with a similar situation? How did you or how would you have handle it?

-Or tell me about your comfort food – if you have a recipe link up.

Have a wonderful weekend ♥