Mediterranean Style Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Cooking a perfectly golden pancake, surrounded by fresh ingredients like eggs, milk, and flour on a rustic wooden table.

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is a time to enjoy indulgent yet meaningful treats before the Lenten fast begins. While traditional pancakes are always a favourite, why not explore a Mediterranean twist? Across the Mediterranean, countries have their own unique takes on pancakes, offering a variety of flavours, textures, and ingredients to celebrate this special day.

Here are some Mediterranean style pancakes to inspire your Shrove Tuesday feast!

1. Greek Tiganites

Two children joyfully make batter together in a bright kitchen, mixing ingredients and cracking eggs with enthusiasm.

Tiganites are traditional Greek pancakes often enjoyed as a sweet treat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they pair perfectly with honey and nuts.

Ingredients:

• 120g/ 1 cup plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 240ml/ 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy free option)

• 1 egg

• Pinch of salt

• Olive oil for frying

• Honey, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and egg until smooth.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and drop small amounts of batter to form mini pancakes.

3. Cook until golden on both sides.

4. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with walnuts and cinnamon, and serve warm.

   
   

2. Moroccan Msemen (Layered Pancakes)

Msemen are flaky, buttery pancakes popular in Morocco, often served with honey or jam. Their layered texture makes them unique and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 240g/ 2 cups semolina flour

• 120g/ 1 cup plain flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup warm water

• Olive oil and melted butter for folding

Instructions:

1. Mix the flours, salt, and sugar, then gradually add water to form a soft dough.

2. Divide the dough into small balls, coat them with oil, and let rest for 15 minutes.

3. Roll each ball into a thin sheet, brush with butter and oil, then fold into a square.

4. Cook on a hot skillet until golden on both sides.

5. Serve with honey or a spread of your choice.

   
   

3. Italian Crespelle

Delicious Italian Crespelle filled with a creamy filling, garnished with fresh raspberries and mint, dusted with powdered sugar.

Crespelle are thin, crepe-like pancakes from Italy that can be enjoyed sweet or savoury. Their versatility makes them ideal for Pancake Day.

Ingredients:

• 120g/ 1 cup plain flour

• 2 eggs

• 160ml/ 1.5 cups milk

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• Sweet option: Nutella, ricotta, and fruit

• Savoury option: Spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, olive oil, and salt to form a smooth batter.

2. Pour a small amount into a hot non-stick skillet and swirl to spread evenly.

3. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side.

4. Fill with your choice of sweet or savoury toppings and fold or roll.

   
   

4. Turkish Akıtma

Akitma is a Turkish pancake similar to crepes but slightly thicker and softer. They are typically served with jam or honey.

Ingredients:

• 120g/ 1 cup plain flour

• 160ml/ 1.5 cups milk

• 1 egg

• Pinch of salt

• Butter for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, milk, egg, and salt into a smooth batter.

2. Heat a greased skillet and pour a ladleful of batter, spreading it evenly.

3. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip and cook the other side.

4. Serve with your favourite jam or honey.

   
   

5. Spanish Tortitas de Aceite (Olive Oil Pancakes)

These Spanish pancakes are enriched with olive oil, giving them a light and fragrant flavour. They are often served with a dusting of sugar or marmalade.

Ingredients:

• 120g/ 1 cup plain flour

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 240ml/ 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy free option)

• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and orange zest in a bowl.

2. Whisk in olive oil and milk to create a smooth batter.

3. Cook small pancakes in a hot skillet until golden.

4. Sprinkle with sugar or spread marmalade on top.

   
   

6. Lebanese Atayef (Stuffed Pancakes)

Atayef are small, spongy pancakes that are typically stuffed with sweet fillings like nuts, cream, or ricotta.

Ingredients:

• 170g/ 1 cup semolina

• 120g/ 1 cup plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp sugar

• 160ml/ 1.5 cups warm water

• Filling: Sweet ricotta, crushed pistachios, and honey

Instructions:

1. Mix the semolina, flour, baking powder, sugar, and water to form a batter.

2. Pour small circles onto a hot skillet and cook only on one side until bubbles form.

3. Remove, let cool slightly, then fold and stuff with your chosen filling.

4. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pistachios.

   
   

7. Israeli Malawach

Malawach is a flaky, fried pancake popular in Israel, often served with savoury toppings like tomato sauce or boiled eggs.

Ingredients:

• 240g/ 2 cup plain flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 175ml/ ¾ cup water

• Butter for layering

Instructions:

1. Knead the flour, salt, and water into a soft dough and let rest.

2. Roll the dough into thin circles, spread with butter, and fold into layers.

3. Roll out the layers and cook in a skillet until golden.

4. Serve with savoury or sweet accompaniments.

   
   

Closing Thoughts

Mediterranean pancakes bring a world of variety and tradition to Shrove Tuesday. Whether you prefer the sweetness of Greek tiganites, the flakiness of Moroccan msemen, or the versatility of Italian crespelle, these recipes offer a delicious way to celebrate.

Which Mediterranean pancake will you try this Pancake Day? Let me know in the comments below!