Appetizer cake made of pancakes

Savory Pancake Cake - A Delicacy with a Story

If you want to impress your guests at a birthday or special celebration, the savory pancake cake is the perfect choice. This recipe skillfully combines soft pancakes with delicious fillings, creating an attractive and savory platter. Additionally, it is an excellent way to use seasonal ingredients or leftovers from the fridge. Let's venture together into the culinary world and discover how to prepare this savory cake in an engaging and simple way.

Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8-10

Ingredients
- 300 g flour
- 500 ml sparkling water or beer
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 g fresh or frozen nettles (or spinach)
- 250 g grated cheese
- 500 g mushrooms, chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 250 g ham, diced
- 200 g sour cream
- 2 eggs (for the topping)

Alternative Ingredients
- Instead of nettles, you can use spinach, and the mushrooms can be fresh, frozen, or canned, depending on personal preferences and availability.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pancake Batter
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the eggs. Start mixing gently with a whisk, beginning from the center of the bowl and gradually moving outward.
3. While mixing, gradually add the sparkling water or beer. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
4. Add the nettle puree (or spinach) to the mixture. Mix well to incorporate the greens into the batter.
5. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes. This step is essential to allow the gluten in the flour to relax, making the pancakes fluffier.

Step 2: Cooking the Pancakes
6. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. It is advisable to lightly grease the skillet with oil or butter before each pancake to prevent sticking.
7. Pour a portion of the pancake batter into the skillet, swirling the skillet to evenly distribute the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges of the pancake turn golden and the center is nearly dry.
8. Flip the pancake using a spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, yielding about 10 pancakes. Place them on a platter and let them cool.

Step 3: Assembling the Savory Cake
10. Choose a deep, oven-safe dish or a cake pan. This will be the delicious support for your dish.
11. Place the first pancake at the bottom of the dish, sprinkle a layer of grated cheese and some chopped mushrooms.
12. Add another pancake, cover with cheese and ham cubes. Continue alternating layers of pancakes, cheese, mushrooms, and ham until the ingredients are exhausted, ensuring that the last pancake is covered with cheese.

Step 4: Preparing the Sour Cream Mixture
13. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the two remaining eggs. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth.
14. Pour the sour cream and egg mixture over the pancake cake, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 5: Baking the Cake
15. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
16. Place the savory cake in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the sour cream mixture sets and turns slightly golden.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving
17. After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a platter and decorate as desired (you can use fresh herbs or tomato slices for a pleasant appearance).
18. Serve the savory cake warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or yogurt dip.

Useful Tips
- For an extra flavor boost: Add spices like black pepper, basil, or oregano to the pancake batter.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese (feta, mozzarella) or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or olives between the layers of pancakes.
- Using Greens: Out of nettles? Frozen spinach is a good alternative. You can also use fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in protein due to the eggs, meat, and cheese, and vitamins from the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare the pancakes in advance?
Yes, you can make the pancakes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Make sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

2. Can the savory cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. You can prepare it and then freeze it before baking. When you are ready to serve, let it thaw and then bake according to the instructions.

3. What drinks pair well with this appetizer?
We recommend serving the savory cake with a dry white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail to balance the rich flavors.

The savory pancake cake is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table. So, don't hesitate to try it and customize it to your tastes! Enjoy!