Traditional British Shrove Tuesday Pancakes
Traditional British Shrove Tuesday Pancakes
Shrove Tuesday: A Day of Feasting and Tradition
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It is a day of feasting and celebration, as people prepare to enter a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. Many countries associate it with pancakes, calling it Pancake Day in the UK. “Shrove” comes from the Old English word “shriven,” meaning to confess sins and receive absolution.
Origins and Religious Significance
The tradition of Shrove Tuesday dates back over a thousand years to medieval Europe. In Christian practice, Lent is 40 days of fasting, and in the past, people would use up rich foods like eggs, butter, and sugar before the fasting began. Churches encouraged people to confess their sins (“shrive”) on this day, leading to the name Shrove Tuesday. While its religious importance has faded for many, the tradition of feasting has remained strong.
Pancakes and Feasting Traditions
In the UK, Shrove Tuesday is best known as Pancake Day. Families make thin, crêpe-like pancakes, often served with sugar and lemon juice or syrup. This custom originated from the need to use up perishable ingredients before Lent, but it has become a beloved tradition enjoyed by all. In some towns, people take part in pancake races, where competitors run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shrove-Tuesday).
Traditional British Shrove Tuesday Pancakes
Equipment
- 2 mixing Bowls
- 1 whisk
- 1 Jug
- 1 non-stick frying pan or crepe pan
- 2 plates
Ingredients
- 100 grams all purpose flour
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 each large egg
- 250 ml Full cream milk
- 15 ml Grand Marnier liqueur
- 30 grams Butter
- 1 each lemon
- 30 grams Sugar
Instructions
Making the Pancake Batter
- Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl; make a well in the middle.
- Crack and beat the egg in a separate bowl and pour into the flour well.
- Stir in half the milk, working in the flour gradually until it begins to form a batter,
- Continue to beat well and add the rest of the milk and liqueur.
- Zest finely about a ¼ of the lemon add to the batter and mix.
- Pour batter into a jug and let stand for about 15 minutes before making any pancakes, if you have time.
Cooking the Pancakes
- When batter has rested, heat a nonstick pan over medium high heat, add a little bit of butter to the center of the pan.
- Stir the batter then pour in a small amount into the pan then swirl it so that it spreads thinly.
- Cook for about one minute, then turn (or flip) and cook the other side for about 30 seconds.
- Remove Pancake from pan on to a clean plate.
- Drizzle with juice from a fresh lemon, sprinkle with sugar, then roll or fold to eat immediately.or Keep the pancakes on a plate covered by another plate to keep warm, then add the lemon juice and sugar.
- Continue and repeat this process until the pancake batter is cooked, you should have at least 12 pancakes.
Notes
Allowing the batter to rest for a while makes for better results.
Global Shrove Tuesday Celebrations
Different countries celebrate Shrove Tuesday in unique ways. It is known as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) in France and parts of Europe, a day of lavish feasts and colourful parades. In Brazil, it marks the beginning of Carnival, one of the world’s biggest festivals, filled with music, dance, and costumes. In the US, New Orleans hosts the famous Mardi Gras festival, featuring floats, beads, and street parties.
Modern-Day Celebrations
While Shrove Tuesday remains a Christian tradition, today it is widely enjoyed as a day of indulgence and fun. Many people continue making pancakes, while others participate in charity events, races, and community gatherings. Whether observed for religious reasons or simply as an excuse to enjoy delicious food, Shrove Tuesday continues to bring people together in celebration. (https://kookssecrets.com/2025/02/23/b-bath-buns/).
