Breaded pancakes

Crispy and Savory Breaded Pancakes: A Delicious Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Traveling through the world of gastronomy, we often encounter dishes that blend simplicity with refinement. Breaded pancakes are a perfect example of an appetizer that combines textures and flavors, transforming a simple pancake into a crispy delicacy filled with goodies. Let’s discover this recipe together, which is not only easy to make but will surely impress anyone who comes to visit.

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 large eggs
- 200 g flour (approximately)
- 250 ml sparkling water (for extra fluffiness)
- 150 g smoked ham, sliced thin
- 200 g melted cheese (slices or cubes, depending on preference)
- 100 g grated cheese (for a rich flavor)
- 150 g breadcrumbs (for the perfect crust)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

A bit of history:

Pancakes are a well-known dish from ancient times, appearing in various forms in many cultures. They have evolved over time, becoming a versatile food ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The breaded version is an innovation that adds a crispy texture and an appetizing appearance, transforming pancakes into a delicious appetizer.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the pancake batter:
In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with a whisk or fork until homogeneous. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly incorporate the sparkling water, mixing until you achieve a fluid but consistent batter, similar to pancake batter. It is important for the batter to be smooth, so don’t rush this step.

2. Frying the pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Pour a ladle of the pancake batter and swirl the skillet to spread the batter evenly. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until the edges of the pancake turn golden, then flip it and fry the other side. Repeat the process until you finish all the batter. You should get about 6-8 pancakes.

3. Filling the pancakes:
On each pancake, add a slice of ham, a few cubes of melted cheese, and a bit of grated cheese. Roll the pancake tightly to form a roll. Ensure the filling is well distributed to avoid leaks during frying.

4. Breading and frying:
Beat a few eggs in a separate bowl. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Take each pancake roll, first dip it in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is well coated. This step will create a crispy and delicious crust.

5. Frying the rolls:
Heat oil in the skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot (you can check by throwing in a small piece of breadcrumb – if it sizzles, it’s ready), add the breaded pancake rolls and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

6. Serving:
Remove the pancakes from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. You can serve them hot, as is, or alongside a garnish of fresh salad or yogurt sauce. These pancakes are delicious even cold, so don’t hesitate to prepare them the night before.

Practical tips:

- For a richer filling, you can also add sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or peppers, or even a spiced tomato sauce.
- For a more intense flavor, choose ham with a higher degree of smokiness or use moldy cheese (such as brie or camembert).
- Variations: Instead of ham, you can use cooked chicken or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour will give a deeper flavor and a more rustic taste to your pancakes, but the texture will be slightly different.

2. How can I make the pancakes less greasy?
You can bake the breaded pancakes in the oven, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, at 200 degrees Celsius until golden.

3. Is it possible to freeze the pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze the filled pancakes before frying them. Make sure to portion them and wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

Nutrition and calories:

Each serving of breaded pancakes contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They provide a good source of protein from the eggs, ham, and cheese, and the filling can contribute vitamins and minerals, especially if you add vegetables. Consumed in moderation, these pancakes can be part of a balanced diet.

Serving suggestions:

To turn this appetizer into a feast, you can add a arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing, or a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill, which will perfectly complement the flavors of your pancakes. Also, a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or a banana and strawberry smoothie, will add a touch of freshness to the meal.

These breaded pancakes are not only a delicious appetizer but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. So put on your chef's apron and unleash your creativity! Bon appétit!