Hunan-style Scarpaccia

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Italian Scarpaccia is transformed into a spicy zucchini pancake with the addition of Hunan-specific ingredients such as chili peppers, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. The flavors are intensified to cater to the bold and spicy taste preferences of Hunan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Scarpaccia, so you can check it out.

• 4 medium zucchinis, grated 4 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 cup rice flour (120g) 1 cup rice flour (120g)
• 3 eggs 3 eggs
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, rice flour, eggs, chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Spoon a ladleful of the zucchini batter into the hot pan and spread it evenly to form a pancake shape.
4. 4.
   Cook the pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Hunan-style Scarpaccia hot as a main course or as a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the pancake from becoming soggy.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Adjust the amount of Sichuan peppercorns according to your spice tolerance. You can increase or decrease the quantity to suit your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dried chili flakes to the batter.
• Serve the Hunan-style Scarpaccia with a side of spicy Hunan chili sauce for dipping.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before adding them to the batter.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added variety.
• To make the pancake more substantial, you can add cooked ground meat or shrimp to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Hunan-style Scarpaccia hot, either as a main course accompanied by steamed rice or as a side dish alongside other Hunan specialties such as Kung Pao Chicken or Mapo Tofu.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Scarpaccia with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil to enhance its visual appeal. Serve it on a large platter to showcase the golden brown color and crispy texture.