Shanxi-style Breakfast Delight

Ingredients

In this Shanxi-style adaptation, we replace the traditional English bacon with Shanxi cured pork, which has a distinct smoky flavor. Additionally, we incorporate scallion oil and pickled vegetables to add a touch of Shanxi's vibrant flavors to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for English Breakfast, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) wheat flour 2 cups (250g) wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1 cup (200g) Shanxi cured pork, thinly sliced 1 cup (200g) Shanxi cured pork, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 scallions, finely chopped 4 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 cup (150g) pickled vegetables (such as radish or cabbage) 1 cup (150g) pickled vegetables (such as radish or cabbage)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, cornmeal, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin pancake.
4. 4.
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the pancakes for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and fry the Shanxi cured pork slices until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and sauté the chopped scallions until fragrant. Remove from heat.
7. 7.
   Serve the Shanxi-style pancakes with the crispy cured pork, drizzle with scallion oil, and garnish with pickled vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shanxi cured pork — If you can't find Shanxi cured pork, you can substitute it with smoked bacon or ham for a similar smoky flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of five-spice powder to the pancake dough.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can serve the breakfast with a side of chili oil.
• Experiment with different types of pickled vegetables to find your favorite combination of flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Shanxi-style breakfast hot, accompanied by a cup of hot tea or soy milk.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy cured pork slices on top of the pancakes and drizzle the scallion oil over them. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.