Valentine's Day Pancakes

Valentine's Day Pancakes with Beetroot and Vanilla Pudding

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love with an innovative and surprising recipe. These red pancakes, brought to life by beetroot, are not only delicious but also extremely attractive. Red, a symbol of love and passion, dresses these pancakes in a vibrant hue, while the vanilla pudding filling adds a touch of elegance. Let's discover together how to prepare these surprise pancakes that will delight not only the taste buds but also the eyes of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the pancakes:
- 100 g cooked beetroot (approximately 1 medium beet)
- 150 ml milk
- 300 ml sparkling water
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Flour (approximately 200-250 g, depending on the desired consistency)

For the filling:
- 800 ml milk (for pudding)
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding (or 1 packet of vanilla pudding and 1 of chocolate for a variation)

For serving:
- Whipped cream (freshly whipped or from a spray)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Beetroot:
Start by boiling the beetroot. Make sure to clean it well before boiling. Boil the beetroot in salted water for about 30-40 minutes until soft. Let it cool, then peel and dice it.

2. Making the Pancake Batter:
In a blender, add the cooked beetroot, eggs, honey, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until you get a smooth paste. This will not only provide color but also a slightly sweet and comforting flavor.

3. Adding the Light Ingredients:
Pour the obtained paste into a large bowl and add the sparkling water. Then, starting with 200 g of flour, mix well until you achieve a smooth and homogenous pancake batter. The consistency should be slightly thicker than that of sour cream. If it is too liquid, add a little more flour.

4. Cooling the Batter:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the batter rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. This will help the pancakes become fluffier.

5. Preparing the Vanilla Pudding:
In a saucepan, bring 800 ml of milk to a boil. Add the contents of the two packets of vanilla pudding and stir according to the instructions on the package. Once the pudding starts to thicken, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

6. Cooking the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter to prevent sticking. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Cook the pancake until golden on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip it and cook on the other side. Repeat the process until you finish the batter.

7. Filling the Pancakes:
Once the pancakes have cooled slightly, take each pancake and fill it with vanilla pudding. Carefully roll them up and place them on a platter.

8. Serving:
Serve the pancakes warm, garnished with fresh whipped cream and mint leaves. A quarter of raspberries or a few slices of strawberries on top will add a splash of color and freshness.

Practical Tips

- Beetroot: If you want to save time, you can use canned beetroot. This will provide a similar hue but won’t have the same fresh flavor.
- Flour: Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, to make the pancakes healthier.
- Vegan option: Replace the eggs with 100 g of banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water).
- For a more intense flavor: Add a little cinnamon to the batter or a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the beetroot?
Yes, you can experiment with carrot or pumpkin puree for a different variation.

2. What other fillings can I use?
Instead of vanilla pudding, you can use mascarpone, cream cheese, or even a chocolate filling.

3. How can I store the pancakes?
The pancakes can be stored in the fridge for 2 days or frozen between sheets of parchment paper.

Nutritional Benefits

These pancakes are not only delicious but also nutritious. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and B, and minerals such as iron and magnesium, contributing to heart health and detoxifying the body. Additionally, honey adds natural sweetness and antibacterial properties.

Conclusion

Celebrate love with these Valentine's Day pancakes, which will not only impress with their appearance but also with their exquisite taste. This simple yet innovative recipe combines tradition with a touch of creativity, bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Feel free to experiment and personalize them to your liking. Enjoy your meal!