SCALLION PANCAKES WITH SOURDOUGH DISCARD

Scallion Pancakes with Sourdough Discard image

Scallion pancakes are a savory treat bursting with flavor even before you add sourdough starter to the equation. With the added fermentation flavors and the tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce, these scallion pancakes will wow you. The extra layers and amazing flakiness come from multiple rounds of rolling and spiraling, a technique in the [original recipe|https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/04/extra-flaky-scallion-pancakes-recipe.html] of Kenji Lopez-Alt.

Provided by Melissa Johnson

Categories Recipes

Time 1h34m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

Dough
260g all purpose flour (2 cups)
150g sourdough starter (discard) (~½ cup)
155g boiling water (2/3 cup)
Layering
50g toasted sesame oil (¼ cup)
1½ - 2 cups thinly sliced scallions
Cooking
50g light olive oil (¼ cup)
salt for sprinkling on the finished pancakes (optional)
Dipping Sauce
30g soy sauce (2 Tbsp)
30g chinkiang (black) vinegar OR rice vinegar with a dash of balsamic (2 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp extra-finely sliced scallions
1 small clove garlic smashed and minced
½ tsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp sugar (optional)
1 tsp chili oil (optional)

Steps:

In a bowl or food processor, combine the flour and sourdough discard.
Drizzle in the boiling water while running the food processor or stirring, and stop when the dough comes together.
Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead it for a few minutes, then let it rest, covered, for about a half hour.
Chop the scallions for the pancakes, avoiding or slicing extra-fine the white portions that are stiffer and more likely to tear the dough.
You can also make the dipping sauce during this 30-minute dough rest.
Divide the dough into 4 or 5 pieces and knead them into balls.
Prepare a slightly damp cloth or flour sack towel and cover any dough you're not currently working with. Set a small bowl with your sesame oil and basting brush near your work surface.
With a rolling pin, roll one of the dough balls into a thin circle. You should need almost no dusting flour and be able to see your fingers through the dough if you lift it. Brush sesame oil on the dough circle and roll it up like a cigar. Then spiral it into a snail shape. Dampen the end of the spiral if needed to make it stick and not uncoil, and with your palm gently press down on the entire spiral a little bit.
Place the spiral under your towel and repeat with all the dough balls.
With a rolling pin, roll one of the spirals into a thin circle (not quite as thin as the first round). Brush sesame oil on the dough and then spread chopped scallions on it. Roll the dough up like a cigar and spiral it into a snail shape. Dampen the end of the spiral if needed to make it stick and not uncoil, and with your palm gently press down on the entire spiral a little bit.
Place the now double-rolled spiral under your towel and repeat with the other dough spirals.
Heat the cooking oil in a nonstick pan until it is shimmering and prepare a platter or cooling rack with several paper towels spread on it.
Roll one of the spirals flat and place it in the hot oil. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, carefully flipping with tongs, until each side is golden brown, then place it on the paper towels.
While one pancake is frying, roll out the next spiral. If needed, add a little more oil to the pan for the final pancake(s).
Sprinkle lightly with salt if desired. (I tend to go heavy on the dipping sauce and thus don't find salt necessary.)
Serve immediately, cut into wedges and alongside the dipping sauce.
Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or on a dry frying pan.