My pancakes

My pancakes: a sweet or savory treat, perfect for any time of the day

Who doesn’t love pancakes? This versatile dish brings joy to our tables, whether we enjoy them in the morning with maple syrup or opt for a savory version at dinner. The recipe I will share with you today is simple yet incredibly delicious, and with a few tricks, you will achieve perfect, fluffy, and flavorful pancakes.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Basic ingredients:

1. 2 large eggs
2. 1 packet of vanilla extract
3. 1 packet of lemon or orange extract
4. 2 packets of vanilla sugar
5. 2 tablespoons of sugar
6. A pinch of salt
7. 1/4 packet (about 7g) of baking powder
8. Flour (about 250g, but adjust according to desired consistency)
9. Milk (about 500ml, also adjust according to consistency)
10. Oil for frying

Step 1: Preparing the batter

Start by cracking the 2 eggs into a large bowl. Add the vanilla extract, lemon or orange extract (choose your favorite), and the vanilla sugar. These flavors will give the pancakes a wonderful taste, full of personality. Use a whisk to beat the eggs until the mixture is smooth.

Now, add a pinch of salt and the baking powder. These ingredients are essential for achieving fluffy pancakes. Mix well, then start adding the flour. It’s important to add the flour gradually to avoid lumps. At first, the batter will be thicker, but don’t worry, this is exactly how it should look.

Step 2: Adjusting the consistency

Once you have incorporated the flour, gradually add the milk. Start with a smaller amount, then add more milk until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer thinner pancakes, the batter should be more liquid; for thicker pancakes, keep it a bit denser. An important trick is to let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes, which will help relax the gluten, resulting in more tender pancakes.

Step 3: Frying the pancakes

Now that the batter is ready, it’s time to prepare the pan. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Make sure the pan is well heated before pouring in the batter. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the pan, forming pancakes of the desired size.

Let the pancakes cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges turn golden. Use a special pancake spatula to carefully flip them and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Repeat the process until you finish the batter. Don’t forget to add a little oil to the pan for each pancake.

Step 4: Filling the pancakes

Pancakes are delicious and simple, but they can also be filled with various ingredients. You can fill them with jams, chocolate, cheese, or even a mixture of ground nuts with sugar and whipped egg whites. This filling adds a special touch and an interesting texture. If you choose this option, there’s no need to wrap them, you can simply cut them into slices, just like a cake.

Healthy option:

For a healthier version, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour, and the milk can be substituted with plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk. These options not only improve the nutritional profile but also offer a slightly different yet pleasant taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Why do lumps form in the batter?
Lumps occur when the flour is added too quickly or mixed too vigorously. Add the flour gradually and mix gently to avoid this.

2. How can I make the pancakes fluffier?
Make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the baking powder, and let the batter rest to achieve fluffier pancakes.

3. Can I freeze pancakes?
Yes, pancakes can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container, with a layer of paper between them to prevent sticking. When you want to eat them, simply heat them in the oven or microwave.

Serving and combinations:

Pancakes can be served with various toppings, such as maple syrup, honey, fresh fruits, or whipped cream. If you prefer them savory, try filling them with cottage cheese and dill or sautéed vegetables. These combinations not only complement the pancakes but also add a note of freshness.

Nutritional benefits:

Pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates, and if you add nutritious ingredients like nuts and fruits, they can become a balanced meal. Eggs add necessary protein, and milk provides calcium. So, don’t hesitate to turn them into the ideal breakfast!

In conclusion, my pancakes are a simple recipe but full of possibilities. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a delicious dessert, or a light dinner, pancakes are the perfect solution. Experiment with flavors and fillings, and you will find that this recipe easily becomes a family favorite. Happy cooking and enjoy!