Banat pancakes

Banat pancakes with ricotta and meringue - A delicacy that combines tradition with refinement

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I invite you to discover a recipe for Banat pancakes that will surprise you with its rich taste and velvety texture! These pancakes are not just a dessert, but an explosion of flavors and a window into culinary traditions full of history. Filled with a fine ricotta cream and topped with airy meringue, these pancakes are perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack at any time of the day.

Ingredients for Banat pancakes:

- 8 pancakes (you can use your favorite recipe, but I recommend a simple one with eggs, milk, and flour)
- 5 eggs
- 300 g ricotta (or cottage cheese)
- 200 g sour cream
- 270 g sugar
- A handful of raisins
- 3-4 tablespoons of brandy
- Zest of 1 lime (or lemon, to taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Butter for greasing the pan

Step by step for Banat pancakes:

1. Preparing the raisins:
Start by placing the raisins in a small bowl and adding the brandy. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step will infuse the raisins with the unmistakable aroma of the drink, giving them a special sweetness and texture.

2. Ricotta cream:
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta with 50 g of sugar and 1 egg until you obtain a fine and homogeneous mixture. Add the soaked raisins (make sure they are not too wet) and the lime zest. This aromatic filling will give a fresh note to your pancakes.

3. Filling the pancakes:
Take a pancake and place a generous spoonful of ricotta cream in the center. Fold the pancake, closing the ends and rolling it carefully. Continue doing this for all the pancakes, placing them evenly in a buttered pan.

4. Preparing the sour cream:
In another bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Mix the yolks with 100 g of sugar until creamy. Add the sour cream and one packet of vanilla sugar, gently stirring to incorporate all the ingredients.

5. Assembling:
Pour the sour cream over the pancakes arranged in the pan. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan in the oven for 5-10 minutes. It is important to leave the oven door slightly open (use a wooden spoon to keep it ajar), so that the steam escapes and the cream becomes slightly browned.

6. Preparing the meringue:
While the pancakes are baking, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, lemon juice, and one packet of vanilla sugar. Continue beating until you obtain firm and shiny peaks. This step is essential to achieve a consistent and airy meringue.

7. Finalizing the pancakes:
Once the pancakes are ready, remove the pan from the oven and spread the meringue evenly over them. Use a fork to create decorative patterns in the meringue. Put the pan back in the oven, also with the door open, until the meringue becomes golden and crispy.

8. Serving:
Let the pancakes cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can decorate them with a bit of lime zest or serve them with a fruit sauce or vanilla ice cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, adding chopped dark chocolate, crushed nuts, or even other types of cheese for an even more complex flavor.
- Complementary drinks: These pancakes pair perfectly with a fruit tea or a creamy cappuccino. If you prefer alcoholic drinks, a glass of sweet wine would wonderfully complement this dish.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Banat pancakes with ricotta contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Ricotta is a good source of protein, and raisins provide fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Of course! You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture.

2. How can I make the pancakes less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the filling or meringue will make the pancakes less sweet. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

3. What other toppings do you recommend?
A caramel or chocolate sauce, fresh fruits, or a spoonful of sour cream can turn these pancakes into a real treat.

I conclude with a personal note: these Banat pancakes are more than just a simple dessert; they are an invitation to relax and savor beautiful moments with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try them and personalize your recipe! Every bite will be a pleasant memory, and the final result will surely be appreciated. Bon appétit!