In the UK, Shrove Tuesday (13th February 2018) is also known as Pancake Day because it is the one day of the year when almost everyone eats a pancake! Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday and is the final day before the start of Lent, a Christian festival leading up to Easter Sunday. The name Shrove comes from the old word \shrive\” which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before Lent began.
Lent is a time of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren’t allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.
Check out our simple Greek pancake recipe with no butter.
Makes: 15 pancakes
2 cups flour
2 cups of milk
4 eggs beaten
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbs olive oil
Greek pancakes or tiganites are relatively small and light, a delight served with honey, jam, cinnamon or sugar and lemon.
It is a good idea to sieve the flour first if you have time. Then mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. In another bowl beat eggs. Make a well in the middle of the flour mix, pour the eggs and 2 tbs of olive oil and start whisking. Then gradually add the milk into the centre, still whisking until the mixture has become smooth with no lumps. Brush the pan using the remaining olive oil and fry the pancakes 2-3 minutes on each side until light golden. Brush with more oil between batches. Serve with your choice of honey, jam, grape molasses or sugar and lemon or cinnamon.
