American pancakes

Fluffy American Pancakes - A Delight for Any Moment

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 8 pancakes)

Welcome to the wonderful world of American pancakes! These fluffy pancakes are perfect for a savory breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a delicious dessert. With a soft and airy texture, American pancakes are truly a versatile choice that can be customized with various toppings. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare them perfectly!

A Brief History
American pancakes, also known as pancakes, have a long-standing tradition with deep roots in culinary culture. They have evolved over time, influenced by various available ingredients and cooking styles from different cultures. Today, American pancakes are a symbol of culinary comfort and joy, often associated with lazy mornings and family meals.

Ingredients
- 300 ml milk (preferably at room temperature)
- 250 g flour
- 60 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil (plus extra oil for greasing the pan)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Necessary Utensils
- 2 large bowls
- Non-stick frying pan
- Ladle
- Spatula
- Whisk or mixer

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This mixture will form the base of the pancakes. Ensure that the ingredients are well mixed to avoid lumps.

2. Preparing the liquid ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and oil. It is important that all liquid ingredients are at room temperature; this will make the pancakes fluffier. Use a whisk or mixer to achieve a smooth mixture.

3. Combining the mixtures
Gradually add the liquid ingredients to the dry ones, mixing continuously. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to denser pancakes. The goal is to achieve a light batter with a few lumps remaining, as these will smooth out during cooking.

4. Resting the batter
Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

5. Heating the pan
After 30 minutes, take the bowl out of the refrigerator and gently mix. In the meantime, place the non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Grease the pan with a little oil, being careful not to use too much to avoid oily pancakes.

6. Cooking the pancakes
Use a ladle to pour the batter into the center of the pan. Let the pancakes cook until bubbles appear on the surface (about 2-3 minutes). This is an indication that it’s time to flip them. Use a spatula to carefully flip them, allowing them to cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden.

7. Serving
Repeat the process until you finish the entire batter. Pancakes are best served warm, so stack them on a platter and cover with a clean towel to keep them warm.

Serving Suggestions
These fluffy pancakes are extremely versatile! You can serve them with:
- Maple syrup or honey
- Fresh fruits (blueberries, raspberries, banana slices)
- Whipped cream
- Nuts or chocolate

Delicious Variations
To add a touch of originality, try adding to the batter:
- A teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Cocoa powder for chocolate pancakes
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and comforting note

Helpful Tips
- Pan test: To check if the pan is hot enough, drop a few drops of water; if they dance and evaporate quickly, the pan is ready to use.
- Keeping pancakes warm: If making a larger batch, keep the pancakes warm in an oven set to 70°C, covered with aluminum foil.

Nutritional Benefits
These American pancakes can be a good source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the eggs. Adding fruits as toppings transforms them into a healthy breakfast, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Why let the batter rest in the refrigerator?
This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond or soy milk are excellent options for those who prefer the vegan version.
- How can I make the pancakes less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener substitute.

Now that you’ve learned all the secrets to the fluffiest American pancakes, it’s time to try them at home! You’ll see that every bite will bring smiles around the table. Enjoy!