Lemon pancakes

Lemon Pancakes - A Zesty Treat for Any Time of Day

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Resting time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 pancakes

Lemon pancakes are a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweet and tangy flavors, offering an exquisite culinary experience. These pancakes are ideal for an energizing breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a quick dessert that will impress any guest. The origin of pancakes is ancient, dating back to when people first began mixing flour with water and eggs, transforming them into delicious goodies. Today, I invite you to discover a simple and flavorful recipe for lemon pancakes, perfect for adding a touch of freshness to your table!

Ingredients

- 1 cup flour (approximately 120 g) - choose a high-quality all-purpose flour for the fluffiest pancakes
- 1/2 cup milk (approximately 120 ml) - whole milk is ideal for a creamy texture
- 1/2 cup water (approximately 120 ml) - water helps thin the batter for a smooth consistency
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (approximately 10 g) - to add a sweet note and balance the acidity of the lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 30 ml) - freshly squeezed to enhance the flavor
- Zest of one lemon - adds an enticing aroma and vibrant flavor
- 2 eggs - ensures binding of ingredients and a fluffy texture
- 50 g butter - for cooking the pancakes and adding a rich taste
- A pinch of salt - to balance the flavors

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Use a fresh lemon, and for extra flavor, you can use a fine grater to zest it. If you want lighter pancakes, use type 00 flour.

2. Mix the batter
In a tall bowl, start by adding the two eggs and powdered sugar. Whisk them with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes frothy. Then add the milk, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. Incorporate the flour
Sift the flour and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. This will help avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Continue mixing with the mixer on low speed until everything is well incorporated. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

4. Cook the pancakes
After the batter has rested in the refrigerator, place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small piece of butter to melt. Once the butter is hot, pour a ladleful of pancake batter into the skillet, making sure it spreads evenly to form a thin circle.

5. Flip the pancakes
Let the pancake cook for about a minute, or until the edges turn golden and bubbles form on the surface. Using a spatula, flip the pancake and let it cook on the other side for another minute. Repeat this process for the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

6. Fill the pancakes
Now comes the creative part! Lemon pancakes can be filled with a variety of ingredients. I recommend filling them with melted chocolate, which creates a delicious contrast with the tartness of the lemon. Other filling options include cottage cheese, fresh fruits, or even ice cream.

Serving and Final Suggestions

Serve the pancakes warm, drizzled with a little lemon juice and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also add a few lemon slices or fresh berries on top to add color and freshness. These pancakes pair wonderfully with herbal tea or a cold lemonade, creating a perfect brunch.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of lemon pancakes has approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the filling. These pancakes provide a good source of carbohydrates, protein from the eggs, and calcium from the milk. Lemon adds vitamin C, essential for boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy skin.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

2. How can I make the pancakes dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or coconut) and the butter with coconut oil or margarine.

3. What other fillings are recommended for lemon pancakes?
You can try fillings like mascarpone and honey, chocolate mousse, or a mix of seasonal fruits.

Possible Variations
For an even more intense flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, such as oranges or limes, to create pancakes with diverse flavors.

In conclusion, lemon pancakes are an excellent choice for anyone looking to indulge in a simple and quick treat. Start cooking and transform these simple ingredients into delicious pancakes that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!