Nostalgic Sweet and Chewy Pumpkin Pancakes
Nostalgic Sweet and Chewy Pumpkin Pancakes
Old-fashioned Pumpkin Pancakes: Sweet & Chewy, Just Like the Good Old Days
Taste the nostalgic flavors from traditional markets with these old-fashioned pumpkin pancakes made from round zucchini! This recipe brings back childhood memories of making pancakes with zucchini picked from the garden fence. Though initially tricky to get the shape right, my mother’s wisdom taught me to draw out the moisture from the zucchini using sugar and salt before adding a special pancake mix (buchim garu). The result? Perfectly shaped, delicious pancakes with a delightful sweetness and chewy texture that everyone will love. Learn the key to getting the batter consistency just right, and even how people preserved these pancakes in the days before refrigerators. Relive your cherished memories with these special pumpkin pancakes!
Ingredients- 2 Round Zucchini
- 4 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 500g Buchim Garu (Korean pancake mix)
- 200ml Water
- Cooking Oil, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 2 round zucchini thoroughly under running water. It’s important to scrub away any dirt or debris from the skin.
Step 2
Trim the ends off the washed zucchini and cut them into 4 equal pieces. Cutting them into manageable sizes will make it easier to scoop out the seeds.
Step 3
Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds from the center of each zucchini piece. Removing all the seeds is recommended as they can affect the texture of the pancakes.
Step 4
Rinse the 2 zucchini halves, from which you’ve scooped out the seeds, one more time. This step can help reduce any slight bitterness or astringency from the zucchini.
Step 5
Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the prepared zucchini into shreds. Aim for a consistent thickness – too thick and they won’t cook through easily, too thin and they might break apart. A medium-thin shred is ideal.
Step 6
Here are the zucchini shreds after being sliced. Evenly sliced, thin shreds will contribute to a pleasant texture and appearance of the pancakes.
Step 7
Add 4 tablespoons of sugar to the shredded zucchini. Sugar helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the zucchini and also aids in drawing out its moisture.
Step 8
Next, add 1 teaspoon of salt. Salt also plays a crucial role in drawing out moisture from the zucchini and seasoning it.
Step 9
Gently knead the shredded zucchini with the sugar and salt using your hands. This process will naturally release moisture from the zucchini, making it wilt. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Step 10
Once the zucchini has softened and released moisture, add 500g of buchim garu (Korean pancake mix) to begin making the batter. The key here is to use the zucchini’s own moisture first, rather than adding water immediately.
Step 11
While mixing the buchim garu, gradually add about 200ml of water, adjusting the amount to achieve the right batter consistency. You want a batter that’s thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily on the pan. (Note: The exact amount of water may vary depending on the absorbency of your buchim garu).
Step 12
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Using enough oil will prevent the pancakes from sticking and ensure they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 13
Using a ladle, scoop some batter into the hot pan and spread it out into a thin, round shape. Making them thin helps them cook through evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Step 14
When the surface of the pancake looks dry and the edges begin to brown, carefully flip it over using a spatula. Gently press down on the pancake with the spatula after flipping to ensure even cooking. (Be cautious if the batter is too watery, as it might lose its shape.)
Step 15
Flip and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy. The slightly browned edges add to the deliciousness.
Step 16
Transfer the well-cooked pumpkin pancakes to a plate and serve them warm. Enjoy the sweet and chewy taste of these nostalgic pancakes! Your old-fashioned pumpkin pancakes are ready!
