Green Bean and Scallion Pancake

Green Bean and Scallion Pancake

Two years ago I started growing borage, the blue flowered kind, this year I added the white, (see picture below). What is borage and what is it used for you might ask? Well it’s an herb. Back in the day it was used for medicinal value. There is an old wives’ tale surrounding this particular herb that said if a woman slipped a bit of borage into a promising man’s drink, it would give him the courage to propose. And as we all know "tales" are considered superstition or, folklore and usually strewn with inaccurate details. But they are fun to read about nevertheless. One fact that I do know is that this delicate looking little herb attracts bees to my garden. Also the little blue and white flowers can be used in soups, salads, cocktails, preserves, and desserts in the form of fresh or candied flowers.

Blue Borage

White Borage

Today’s recipe is from the July 2016 Food and Wine magazine. There is a page every month on what to cook now and this month is “Green Beans 4 Ways”. I chose to make the "scallion pancake" and was not disappointed. The batter is simple; cold soda water, flour, baking powder, salt and sesame oil. Green beans and scallions are trimmed and sliced and then stir fried. To finish the batter is poured over the greens and then cooked on both sides, like a pancake. Serve with a little soy sauce. Makes a great starter or side.

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Green Bean and Scallion Pancake

by Cheri July-31-2016

This recipe is an example of how versatile the mighty green bean can be. Makes a tasty side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Cold club soda
• 3/4 cup Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baling powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Canola oil
• 8 ounces Green beans
• 2 to 3 Scallions
• optional Hot red chili

Instructions

In a medium sized bowl whisk club soda, flour, baking powder, salt and sesame oil . Heat canola in a 12 inch non-stick skillet. Sauté green beans and scallion over medium-high heat about 5 minutes.Stir in red pepper if adding. Then top with batter. Turn down heat and cook about 5 minutes, then invert by sliding pancake carefully onto a plate and then slide back into the skillet. Cook another 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.Let cool slightly, slice. Serve with soy sauce on the side. Garnish with scallions, optional.

Details

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 12 mins Total time: 32 mins Yield: 3 to 4

Slice of Green Bean and Scallion Pancake