Whether it’s a sweet breakfast or a savoury lunch you’re after, here is a low-fat English pancake recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Choose from either a sweet breakfast of Apple and Cinnamon Pancakes, or a savoury lunch of Spinach, Tomato and Mushroom Pancakes. 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6 people

INGREDIENTS - basic pancake recipe

100g plain flour

1 egg

250ml semi-skimmed milk 

Pinch of salt

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For the Sweet Breakfast

3 apples

1 tbsp water

25g sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

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For the Savoury Lunch

6 large tomatoes

100g baby mushrooms

1 bag of spinach (100g)

1 tsp mixed herbs

METHOD

STEP 1: Prepare the batter. Put the flour and salt into a mixing bowl.

STEP 2: Make a well in the centre of this dry mixture and break in the egg.

STEP 3: Add half of the liquid and beat with a fork until the mixture is really smooth. Then add the remaining liquid gradually and beat it until well mixed. I find that it is best to convert this mixture into a measuring jug so that it is easier to pour into the frying pan later.

STEP 4: For the Sweet Breakfast version: Slice the apples and put them into a saucepan along with the sugar and water. Heat and stir until the mixture is soft. Stir in the cinnamon, and take it off the heat to cool.

For the Savoury Breakfast version: Dice the tomatoes, then fry them in some oil along with the mushrooms until they go soft. Stir in the herbs and leave this mixture in the saucepan ready to quickly re-heat when the pancakes are ready.

STEP 5: Cooking the pancakes. Heat about 1 tbsp. of oil in a frying pan and swirl it around the base of the pan. Pour in just enough batter to cover the base of the pan, and cook it until it is golden brown. When the top is set (and you have taken a deep breath), toss your pancake. If you don’t feel brave enough for the toss, you can flip the pancake over gently using a spatula.

STEP 6: Put the pancake onto a plate. For the Sweet Breakfast: Spoon enough of the apple and cinnamon mix to cover half of the pancake. Then, with a fork, fold the half of the pancake without the sauce over the half that is covered in the sauce. Now with this folded pancake, repeat the same process again, (i.e. cover half of the surface with the sauce and fold the other half over it). You should have a pancake twice-folded with the mixture layered inside. 

For the Savoury Lunch. Lay the spinach to cover half of the pancake before topping it with the heated tomatoes and mushroom mixture and use the same technique as described for the sweet version above.

The result? The perfect way to procrastinate on a Sunday morning!