As Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, approaches, many of us are looking for pancake recipes to enjoy. While the classic combination of lemon and sugar is always a hit, why not elevate your pancakes this year with the addition of herbs to your pancake ingredients? Herbs not only add depth of flavour but also bring their own unique health benefits using Vita Herbal Nutrition DaoDi herbs in your pancake mix.
What is Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is traditionally a Christian holiday celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. On this day, people traditionally use up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent begins. Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as they were a simple and delicious way to use up these ingredients.
Today, Pancake Day is celebrated with pancake feasts and races, where people enjoy stacks of different variations of fluffy pancakes topped with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings before embarking on the Lenten season of reflection and fasting.
Fantastic Fillings
Explore 7 herbs to sweeten the senses and tantalise your taste buds this Pancake Day and some potential benefits of each ingredient.
1. Peppermint (Bo He)
Mint adds a refreshing burst of flavour that pairs perfectly with sweet pancakes. For a twist on traditional pancakes, add mint chocolate chip by melting chocolate and mixing with dried peppermint mint leaves and a drop of peppermint essence, then fold them into your pancake batter along with a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Top your mint chocolate chip pancakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce and some fresh mint leaves for an irresistible dessert-inspired breakfast.
Potential Benefits:
Peppermint is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential ability to clear heat, soothe digestion, and may alleviate symptoms such as nausea and headaches.
2. Cinnamon (Rou Gui)
Cinnamon is a classic spice that adds warmth and sweetness to any dish. For cinnamon-infused pancakes, simply grind dried cinnamon bark to your pancake batter along with a touch of vanilla extract. Serve your cinnamon pancakes with a generous pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a comforting and cosy breakfast treat. you could also add in some cardamon powder for that extra spiced flavour and warmth.
Potential Benefits:
Cinnamon is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential warming properties, ability to potentially invigorate the circulation, and its potential to support digestive health by aiding in the digestion of cold foods and could alleviate symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea.
3. Ginger (Gan Jiang)
Ginger adds a spicy kick and a hint of warmth to pancakes, making it the perfect herb for chilly winter mornings. To make ginger pancakes, finely grate fresh ginger root and add it to your pancake batter along with a pinch of dried ground ginger for extra flavour. Top your ginger pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crystallised ginger for a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Potential Benefits:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is prized for its potential ability to warm the body, dispel cold, and possibly stimulate circulation, and aid digestion, making it a potentially valuable herb for addressing ailments such as nausea, indigestion, and respiratory issues.
4. Red Bean (Hong Dou) Paste
In TCM, red adzuki beans are believed to support kidney health and promote vitality. To make red bean paste, simply simmer dried red adzuki beans with sugar until thickened, then use it as a filling for your pancakes. Spread a generous layer of red bean paste onto your pancakes and fold them into quarters for a deliciously sweet and satisfying treat.
Potential Benefits:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, red beans are known for their potential ability to nourish the blood, support kidney health, and possibly promote vitality, making them a valuable ingredient in potentially promoting overall well-being and longevity.
5. Lotus Seed (Bai Lian Zi) Paste
Lotus seeds are prized in TCM for their potentially ability to calm the mind and could promote restful sleep. To make lotus seed paste, simmer cooked dried lotus seeds with sugar until thickened, then use it as a filling for your pancakes. Spread a layer of lotus seed paste onto your pancakes and roll them up for a decadent and indulgent dessert-inspired breakfast.
Potential Benefits:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lotus seeds are prized for their potential ability to nourish the heart and calm the mind, making them potentially beneficial for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and could support a restful sleep.
6. Jujube (Hong Zao) Paste
Jujubes (red dates), are known in TCM for their potential ability to nourish the blood and support digestive health. To make jujube paste, remove the stones and simmer the jujubes dates in water until soft, then cook by simmering with sugar until thickened, then use it as a filling for your pancakes. Spread a spoonful of jujube paste onto your pancakes and fold them into quarters for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Potential Benefits:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, jujube is used for its potential ability to tonify the blood, strengthen the spleen, and may calm the spirit, making it valuable for potentially improving energy levels, supporting digestion, and possibly promoting emotional well-being.
7. Black Sesame (Hei Zhi Ma) Paste
Black sesame seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition in TCM, believed to support kidney and liver health. To make black sesame paste, grind roasted black sesame seeds into a fine powder, then mix with sugar and a bit of water to form a thick paste. Spread a layer of black sesame paste onto your pancakes and roll them up for a nutty and satisfying breakfast option.
Potential Benefits:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, black sesame seeds are believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, possibly enriching blood and Yin, and could promote overall vitality and longevity.
SHOP The Full DaoDi Herb Range
Summary
Now that we've explored seven herbs to sweeten the senses this Pancake Day, and delved into some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) inspired pancake toppings and fillings plus potential benefits, why not try these herb-infused pancake recipes and TCM-inspired toppings? You're sure to create a Pancake Day feast that delights the senses and nourishes the body. So gather your herbs, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy delicious pancakes and add herbs that are wholesome and flavourful celebration this Shrove Tuesday!