Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras; whatever you call it there’s one thing that we love about this day in the UK and it’s PANCAKES!
So, we decided to combine two of our favourite things this Pancake Day, beer and pancakes! How many times can we say pancakes in one sentence? Now, we know what you’re thinking – this combo will never work. But trust us, the beer adds a hint of bread-like flavour, whilst giving them a brilliant rise.
These pancakes are better cooked American style – small rounds, but thick and fluffy. We decided to go vegan with our version, but you could use one egg instead of one banana if you prefer.
Makes 8-10 vegan beer pancakes
Ingredients
140g plain flour
100g caster sugar
Large pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
1 overripe banana, mashed (or 1 egg)
30ml vegetable oil ½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp good quality vanilla extract)
235ml light/wheat alcohol-free beer - we used our Bavarian Helles Lager
To serve
Fresh banana
Maple syrup
Method
Mix all dry ingredients together in one bowl In another bowl, mash your banana (if you’re using an egg instead of a banana, beat lightly before adding other wet ingredients) then add your vanilla bean paste, and finally add the alcohol-free beer.
Make a well in the centre of your dry ingredients, and add the wet ingredients slowly.
Beat using a whisk until just combined. You might see some lumps due to the banana but don’t worry! Try not to over beat it.
Put a pancake pan or small frying pan over a medium heat. We used a good quality non-stick pan so didn’t use any oil, but you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to cook if you’re worried about sticking.
Using a ladle, pour a small amount of batter into the pan until you have a pancake around 8-10cm in size Cook until bubbles have stopped forming, or until the underside has browned off.
Flip and cook the other side until browned. Keep cooked pancakes warm in an oven turned low, without the fan.
Serve with sliced banana and a generous helping of maple syrup. Feel free to mix it up adding different toppings or different styles of beer (perhaps a hoppy/fruity style like our Classic IPA) and let us know if you tried it!
Share your pictures with the tag #nirvanapancakes.
Want to get some Nirvana Lager for your pancakes?
Head over to our online shop!
