Scallion and Chickpea Pancakes: Nutritious, Flavorful & Easy to Make

Discover the health benefits and delightful flavors of chickpea and scallion pancakes with a savory dipping sauce.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Discover the health benefits and delightful flavors of chickpea and scallion pancakes with a savory dipping sauce.

Scallion and Chickpea Pancakes: A Healthy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Scallion pancakes have long graced the tables of families seeking satisfying and flavorful bites. Now, with the advent of chickpea flour and a focus on more wholesome ingredients, this classic snack is reimagined as a high-protein, fiber-rich dish that aligns beautifully with healthy and plant-forward eating patterns. In this comprehensive guide, youll discover how to create scallion and chickpea pancakes at home, learn about their nutritional benefits, and master the art of a complementary dipping saucemaking every bite as mouth-watering as it is nutritious.

Why Chickpea Flour?
Ingredients: What Youll Need
Step-by-Step Directions
Nutritional Benefits
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Related Recipes

Why Chickpea Flour?

Chickpea flouralso known as garbanzo bean flouris a gluten-free, protein-rich ingredient derived from ground chickpeas. It has gained popularity for its versatility and exceptional nutritional profile, making it a smart choice for anyone seeking higher protein and vegetarian-friendly options. Unlike traditional wheat flour, chickpea flour contains significantly more fiber, boosting satiety and supporting digestive health. Additionally, its mild earthy flavor complements a range of savory recipes, from fritters to pancakes, and aligns perfectly with plant-based diets.

High Protein: Chickpea flour offers about 5-6 grams of protein per serving.
Rich in Fiber: A single serving provides up to 3 grams of dietary fiber.
Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Low Glycemic Index: Promotes stable blood sugar levels compared to refined flour.

Ingredients: What Youll Need

The beauty of scallion and chickpea pancakes is their simplicity, requiring just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Below is the full ingredient list for both the pancakes and the savory dipping sauce, along with their healthful properties.

Pancakes

Chickpea flour (2/3 cup): Base of the pancakes, adds structure and nutrition.
Kosher salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances flavor.
Scallions (6, thinly sliced – heaping 3/4 cup): Adds brightness and freshness.
Toasted sesame seeds (2 tbsp): Infuses rich nutty undertones and boosts healthy fats.
Water (2/3 cup): For mixing into a smooth batter.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp): For pan-frying, adds aroma and savory depth.

Dipping Sauce

Mirin (1 1/2 tbsp): Sweetness and complexity.
Reduced-sodium tamari (1 1/2 tbsp): Umami flavor with less sodium than soy sauce.
Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Tang and balance.
Fresh ginger, grated (3/4 tsp): Spicy, aromatic kick.

Step-by-Step Directions: How to Cook Scallion and Chickpea Pancakes

The cooking method is straightforward, resulting in crispy-edged, golden brown pancakes that are ideal either for snacks or a light meal. Follow these steps for best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Combine mirin, tamari, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
Whisk until well incorporated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a medium bowl, mix chickpea flour with salt and water until smooth.
Let the batter rest for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate up to 3 days for deeper flavor).
Gently fold in the sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Using about 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake, drop six spoonfuls into the skillet (in two batches), forming 2 1/2 to 3-inch rounds.
Cook each pancake for about 2 1/2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
Serve warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce.

Quick Reference Table: Pancake Cooking Times

Action	Duration
Rest Batter	20 min (min) 3 days (max, refrigerated)
Cook (per side)	2.5 min

Nutritional Benefits: Smart Snacking Made Simple

The switch to chickpea flour brings unique nutritional advantages over typical wheat-based pancakes.

Calorie Smart: Three pancakes deliver about 136 calories, making them ideal for snacks or light meals.
Protein Boost: With 5 grams of protein per serving, these pancakes help support muscle maintenance and satiety.
Complex Carbs: At 12 grams of carbohydrates, predominantly from chickpeas, this dish offers steady energy without spikes.
Fiber-Rich: Each serving delivers 3 grams of dietary fiber for digestive well-being.
Low Sugar: Contains only 3 grams of total sugars, with zero added sugars.
Good Fats: Toasted sesame oil and seeds contribute approximately 7 grams of healthy fat per serving.
Sodium Conscious: At 270mg sodium, the recipe is mindful of sodium intake.

No cholesterol is added, making these pancakes heart-friendly and appropriate for many dietary lifestyles, including vegan and vegetarian.

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations

Scallion and chickpea pancakes are endlessly adaptable. Explore these serving ideas and creative add-ins for personalized flavor.

Classic Serving: Pair pancakes fresh from the skillet with the dipping sauce for optimal taste and texture.
Meal Upgrade: Serve alongside a salad of mixed greens and a protein source for a balanced lunch.
Toppings: Add a dollop of ricotta, Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative), and chopped dill for extra flavor.
Global Twists: Substitute scallions for chives, spring onions, or leeks for nuanced flavor changes.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, or chopped cilantro to the batter.
Textural Boost: Sprinkle a mix of seeds (flax, sunflower, or poppy) with the sesame seeds.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the batter in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooked pancakes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in skillet or toaster oven for best results.
Batter can also be frozen. Defrost overnight in refrigerator before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below youll find answers to common queries about making and enjoying chickpea and scallion pancakes.

Can I use regular flour instead of chickpea flour?

No; chickpea flour imparts specific texture, flavor, and nutrition to the pancakes. Regular flour will yield a different result.

Are these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes. Chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, and all the listed ingredients contain no gluten.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Try finely shredded carrots, spinach, or zucchini for added color and nutrients.

What dipping sauce alternatives can I use?

Tahini sauce, Greek yogurt with herbs, or chili garlic sauce are all excellent choices.

How do I keep pancakes crispy?

Cook on medium heat until golden and serve immediately. Place on wire rack if holding before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can pancakes be made in advance?

Yes; make the batter or cooked pancakes ahead and store accordingly. Reheat for best flavor.

Are chickpea and scallion pancakes suitable for breakfast?

Definitely. These pancakes provide balanced nutrition and work well for breakfast, snacks, or light meals.

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Expert Tips for Successful Pancakes

Rest Your Batter: Allowing the batter to rest ensures a smoother texture and better hydration.
Use Fresh Scallions: Thinly slice for best flavor release; reserve some for garnish.
Medium Heat Is Key: Prevents burning and ensures thorough cooking.
Nonstick or Well-Seasoned Skillet: Helps develop a crisp outer layer without excess oil.
Tweak Seasonings: Adjust salt, ginger, or vinegar to taste in the dipping sauce.

Summary: The Power of Everyday Ingredients

Scallion and chickpea pancakes are proof that healthy, delicious food doesnt have to be complicated or require rare ingredients. From the protein boost of chickpea flour to the vibrant zing of scallions and the balanced flavors of a quick dipping sauce, this dish suits busy lifestyles, dietary preferences, and modern taste buds alike. Whether served alone or as part of a larger spread, these pancakes are sure to become a staple for anyone committed to wholesome eating.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb