This savory, gluten-free, and vegan treat is so versatile, and this combination of parsnip and leek is delicious. The sweetness from the parsnips and the onion-like crunch from the leeks make this gluten-free vegetable pancake a perfect snack, or lunch on a bed of salad.
Do we post on social media for ourselves or others?
People are self-centered (not the same as selfish), and that’s a fact. Sharing in general – and the sharing of content in particular – offers a personal benefit, even if we don’t realize it. We might get a kick out of storytelling, and when someone relates to it and writes back, there’s a special connection, an insulin high. I am ever so grateful for all the inspiration, the work I’ve gotten through social media. But…
Do we share for Validation? Emancipation? Self-contentment, or for the plain reason of sharing what you love. Sharing isn’t anything new, humans have always shared content in one way or the other. From oral histories around a fire to sitting in pubs chatting away, we digest content, and then we want to share it and discuss it. It’s a fundamental fuel for communities both offline and online.
However, with the drastic rise in different social media platforms, somewhere along the line, it’s become more important to grow in numbers while sharing. There’s nothing wrong about that. While growing gives you a personal motivation, it can also be demotivating when you don’t see the numbers or the growth that you’ve set for yourself. It is a dangerous situation to be in. Also, we forget to appreciate others, the real work. This becomes a game. We become desensitized to others, and we forget to appreciate the real art in this process of “growing.”
Of late, I’ve had many discussions with fellow bloggers and Instagrammers, and I can see how stressful it is for them. Of course, I’m no exception. “Why are numbers so important?” I’ve asked myself this question a million times, “Why are people so obsessed with numbers?” It might be human nature, but we have to just sit and reflect for a while. It makes you realize that there are bigger things. You started this journey because you loved what you were doing. It could be anything: a finance blog, fashion blog, a knitting blog, home decor blog and in this case a food blog. So, when did it become about numbers and growth, strategizing, and maneuvering your way into the unknown…?
In the end, no matter how strong and individualized we are, we are social beings and need validation and social relationships. We want to express, we want to learn, sharing and disagree too. Still, it’s also very important to know what our goal is, and what our goal was when it all began….. It is about content creating, being original, being kind. Not to make this a game.
All that social media talk aside, this gluten-free vegetable pancake, I LOVE. And, I had to share this leek and parsnips, vegan, gluten-free, vegetable pancake recipe with you.
It’s one of those recipes where you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand (and need to eat!). That is my favorite kind of recipe because I love it when you can still make a dish even if you don’t have all the “exact” ingredients. Plus, if you don’t like a certain vegetable, then just leave it out…you can use whatever you and your family like!
I’ve always been intrigued by parsnips and loved leeks. Parsnips are harvested in spring, which is sweet and similar to their cousin, the carrot. Very versatile. This combo is our new favorite, and this kind of vegan gluten-free pancake is very popular in India. Among other gluten-free pancakes, is the Akki roti, and the popular DOSA. The pancakes here are eaten for breakfast, snack or as a side with some daal and rice.
Making these Vegan Gluten Free Vegetable Pancake
These are very similar to pakoras but don’t need deep frying. Use any vegetables on hand, but try to use dry veggies and not the watery kind. As shown in the picture, keep the mixture dry. While forming the patties, don’t compact them too much since you will lose the airy light texture. Use a large ice cream scoop and drop in a few tablespoons of oil. Fry it on medium heat so it cooks from inside and the outside is crispy and golden brown.
The sweetness of the parsnips combined with the crunch onion flavor from the leeks is an absolute delight and it’s guilt free. Dip it in some spicy sauce(green chutney) or some ketchup. Serve it on top of a bed of greens and it makes an impressive salad.
- 2 parsnips, peeled and grated finely
- 2 stalks leeks, sliced and washed very very well in a big bowl of water and drained
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100g gram (chickpea) flour or ½ cup
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp vegetable oil, for pan frying
- Take a shallow bowl for mixing everything. Add the parsnips, leeks, cumin seeds, green chilies, turmeric, baking powder, chickpea flour, ginger. Massage and mix it well. Since the parsnips and the leeks will let go of some water, do not add extra water. Mix well.
- If you find that the dough is super dry and not being incorporated at all, add a tbsp or two of water and mix well. Set aside.
- In a flat bottomed large pan, add 2 tbsp oil. Once it gets hot, take a large icecream scoop or just with your hand, take a tennis ball size of dough, pat it lightly and slide it in the pan. Do not over crowd the pan. Drizzle a bit of oil on top. let it brown for a minute or two on medium heat. Turn it over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Take it out on a plate and serve it with any chutney/sauce of your choice.
*Please do tag me on Instagram @foodfashionparty if you make this, using the hashtag #foodfashionparty. Check out my book MASALA AND MEATBALLS.
Stay in touch for more delicious food on Instagram and Pinterest. Follow on Snapchat (@ashfoodfashion) for daily doses of food.**
Love savoury pancakes! These sound and look so good, Asha.
Thanks Angie!
xx
Loved your blog post, Asha. It is so true, in the game of numbers we are forgetting the true meaning WHY we started all this! For content creation, for the love of sharing, for the love of food!! Great Post!
And I love these pancakes, I will be trying this recipe! Now to get leeks and parsnip!! YUM 🙂
Thanks so much for writing Amisha, means a lot. Need to remind ourselves constantly.
And, please do try it out, you’ll love it.
xo