5 Ingredients, an Urban Family series where we sit down with a Shanghai-based chef and ask for a family-friendly meal using 5 Ingredients easily found in Shanghai; let us help you start the week with a simple five-step recipe!
This week we talked to Wolfgang Illing from Saucepan, a wholesome-meal delivery company focused on changing the meaning of convenient food in the Shanghai community. With a background in food and beverage, Wolfgang arrived in Shanghai during 2015 to open Saucepan. The company's name represents their European style however, their cuisine also embraces flavors from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Wolfgang's previous experience includes International Hospitality Management studies at the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne, along with opening state-of-the-art restaurant concepts for five-star hotel chains around the world; the food and service industry is his true passion. Wolfgang and his wife have well and truly settled into Shanghai life and are excited about the arrival of their first child in May.
Can you tell me about the dish you are helping us prepare this week?
I decided on sweet potato pancakes as these are extremely healthy, delicious and easy to make at home for kids or adults. The pancakes can be served with anything, so use whatever you have in the fridge along with your imagination, to turn them into a wholesome meal for the family to enjoy; a fried egg, avocado, vegetables or a green salad can all accompany this pancake well.
What five ingredients do we need?
300 grams sweet potatoes, steamed or boiled
25 grams honey
200 grams buckwheat flour (optional substitute: plain flour or any other healthy flour)
100 grams milk (optional addition: nutmeg and cinnamon)
1 large egg
What is the five-step recipe?
1. Peel and wash the sweet potatoes and then steam them until very soft. Boiling them is also an option, if a steamer is not available.
2. Blend the potatoes in a food processor until smooth, add water if needed, to help the process along.
3. Empty the potato puree into a mixing bowl, add the flour, egg and milk and mix well.
4. Heat a pan on a medium flame and coat with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, pour the mixture into the pan according to the size of your desired pancake. When you see slight bubbles beginning to form on the surface, this means that you can flip the pancake over. Cook each one until golden brown.
5. Serve the pancakes on a plate and add your choice of sweet or savoury toppings. As I like to eat quite healthy, I always top mine with a fried egg and some avocado and sautéed seasonal greens.
What’s your advice on your dish of the week?
I think cooking at home for the family should be fun and relaxed. I don’t like to get too caught up with measurements. This recipe is so easy to make that you can involve the kids and have fun in the kitchen together. Just make sure the pan is hot enough when you pour the mixture in, or you’ll end up with soggy pancakes.
Tell us something that’s happening with Saucepan at the moment, that our Urban Family community can enjoy.
We are always coming up with new and fun signature dishes and specials on our menu. We also have a kid’s menu which is perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking. There are favorites for the kids including classic mac and cheese, spaghetti bolognese and shepherd's pie. Scan our QR code to see the array of delicious meals ready to be delivered to you.
See listing for Saucepan.
For more 5 Ingredients recipes, click here.
