These are not typical flapjacks with bits of apple and carrot mixed in for seasoning. Here, the produce leads the way with mounds of shredded green apple and carrot bound into tender, lightly browned skillet cakes with just enough egg and whole grain flour to hold them together in pancake form.

The inherent sweetness of the carrot is prominent and is balanced by the light tartness of the apple (I leave the skin on for a pop of color, nutrition and rustic texture) and the zing of freshly grated ginger (you could substitute a teaspoon of ground ginger in a pinch). Served with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkled with crunchy toasted walnuts — no syrup needed — the pancakes make for a fabulous breakfast or brunch, but their savory essence means they also fit right in for lunch or dinner.

Keep this recipe in mind for whenever you need to spin something wonderful out of ordinary pantry and refrigerator staples.

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Savory Carrot-Apple Pancakes With Ginger

30 minutes

4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup (35 grams) raw walnut pieces

2 medium Granny Smith apples, unpeeled, halved and cored

1 large carrot (about 5½ ounces), peeled

3 large eggs

1/3 cup (45 grams) whole-wheat pastry flour, or regular whole-wheat flour

1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

½ cup plain low-fat or regular Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the nuts until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool, then finely chop.

Using either a food processor with the large-holed grating attachment, or the large holes of a box grater, grate the apples and the carrot. You should get about 1½ cups apple and 1 cup carrot.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the apple, carrot, flour, ginger, baking powder and salt and stir to combine.

In a large nonstick skillet or well seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil until shimmering. Scoop a scant ¼ cup of batter into the pan and tilt the pan around to spread the batter out with the bottom of the scoop after each mound is placed in the pan so that each pancake is about 3½ inches in diameter. You should get 5 to 6 pancakes in the pan. Cook the pancakes until well browned and crisp on the outside and warmed through, about 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining oil and batter.

Divide the pancakes among 4 plates and top each serving with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of walnuts.

From cookbook author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger.