Ancient Greek Pancakes
Ancient Greek Pancakes
By Adrian Altieri
Although the concept of a pancake, especially one with toppings like chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream, may seem like a more modern idea, a particular version was a staple of the Ancient Greek breakfast. This type of pancake, referred to as a “girdle-cake” (ταγηνίτης, tagenites) by the Athenians or a “griddle-cake” (τηγανίτης, teganites) by the Anatolian Greeks, is a mixture of wheat flour and water, fried in olive oil, including either sea salt, honey, or sesame seeds. The two names for this kind of pancake derive from the Ancient Greek word for frying pan (τάγηνον, tagenon). The best-kept records of teganitai come from the Anatolian Greek physician Galen, who, in addition to his extensive contributions to the “four humors” theory of medicine, also wrote an extensive catalog of foods named “On the Properties of Foodstuffs.” While he explains the inclusion of honey and sea salt as a measure to prevent effects that “restrain the stomach and give rise to crude humors,” the use of sesame seeds is only supported by accounts in other Greek literature.
Ingredients List (makes 10–12 small cakes):
- 120 g / 1 c. wheat or spelt flour
- 225 ml / 1 c. water (or more for thinning, if necessary)
- 42 g / 2 tbsp. honey, plus extra for topping
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil for frying
- Optional: 1–2 t sesame seeds
The recipe for teganitai resembles that of modern pancakes, but it lacks eggs, pure sugar, and leavening agents.
- Stir salt into the water, and then pour the mixture into a bowl containing the flour and honey. Let sit for approximately 20 minutes.
- (optional) Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until they begin to brown. Set aside for topping.
- Apportion the batter into 10–12 equal volumes, and fry each cake in a small layer of oil. Although Galen recommends flipping the cakes multiple times, it is likely that just one flip will suffice.
- Remove cakes from heat and let cool. Add any additional toppings.
- Enjoy!
Adrian Altieri is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania who majored in Classical Studies (Languages and Literature) and minored in Chemistry.