Sesame Chilli Pancakes with Cucumber Tzatziki
Savory gluten-free pancakes infused with fresh chilli, spring onions, coriander, and toasted sesame seeds, paired with cool Greek yogurt tzatziki. These delicate, crispy-edged pancakes offer vibrant heat balanced by herbaceous brightness and nutty sesame flavor. The creamy, cucumber-studded tzatziki provides cooling contrast. Perfect for vegetarian entertaining, light lunches, or appetizers. This version combines the comfort of soft pancakes with Middle Eastern-inspired toppings, making it accessible to gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture or flavor depth. The quick preparation suits weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- ¾ cups gluten-free flourall-purpose wheat flour1:1adds gluten
omit 'gluten-free' descriptor
- 1 egg
- 10 tbsp soya yogurtdairy yogurt1:1veganlactose-free
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, finely sliced, plus extra to serve
- 2 tbsp coriander, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- oil, for frying
- ⅝ cups Greek yogurt
- 13 cm cucumber, deseeded and grated
- 2 tbsp mint, chopped
- salt, to taste(optional)
- pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Blend flour, egg, soya yogurt, and water in a food processor until smooth.
- 2
Transfer to a bowl and stir in chillies, green onions, coriander, and sesame seeds.
- 3
Cover and chill the batter until ready to cook.
- 4
Make tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and mint together. Season to taste and chill.
- 5
Heat a small frying pan with a splash of oil, wipe away excess with kitchen paper.
- 6
Fry the batter a dessertspoonful at a time, cooking for 1 minute on each side until lightly browned.
- 7
Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- 8
Arrange pancakes on a platter, top each with tzatziki and extra green onions, and serve warm.
Tips
Chill the batter before cooking for at least 30 minutes; this helps the pancakes hold together and develop better texture. Cold batter fries more evenly and resists breaking when flipped.
Wipe excess oil from the pan with kitchen paper rather than draining it completely. A light oil coating prevents sticking while maintaining the crispy exterior these thin pancakes need.
Make tzatziki ahead and refrigerate for 1-2 hours; this allows flavors to meld and lets the cucumber fully hydrate into the yogurt, deepening the cooling effect.
Good to Know
Cooked pancakes keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Tzatziki stores separately for up to 3 days. Reheat pancakes gently in a warm pan before serving.
Prepare batter 1 day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Tzatziki can be made 2 hours before serving. Cook pancakes up to 2 hours ahead and reheat gently.
Serve warm as part of a mezze platter with other dips, salads, and flatbreads, or as a vegetarian appetizer. Pairs with white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Common Mistakes
Skip chilling the batter to avoid raw-textured centers that don't cook through evenly.
Overfill each pancake portion to avoid spreading too thin and breaking during the flip.
Use too much oil to prevent pancakes becoming greasy instead of crispy.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
omit 'gluten-free' descriptor
FAQ
Can I make these pancakes ahead and freeze them?
Yes. Cool cooked pancakes completely, layer between parchment paper, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a warm pan for 1-2 minutes per side. Freeze tzatziki separately for up to 2 months.
What if I don't have soya yogurt for the batter?
Use dairy yogurt, oat yogurt, or coconut yogurt in a 1:1 ratio. Adjust water if using thicker yogurt. The batter should be pourable but hold shape. Non-dairy options work just as well and maintain the gluten-free status.
What can I serve with sesame chilli pancakes?
Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, or a yogurt-based dip. Serve alongside tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, or a fresh herb salad. Works as part of a mezze board or with grilled halloumi and pickled vegetables for a fuller meal.