Tortillas

Griddle Cakes Recipe: The Taste of Childhood in Every Bite

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8 cakes

Who doesn’t remember the pleasant aroma of warm cakes just taken off the griddle? This is a simple dish, but with a taste that takes us back to moments spent in childhood, in grandma's kitchen. The cakes are versatile and can be served with various fillings, whether savory or sweet. So let’s get to work and bring a bit of that nostalgia to our plates!

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g of wheat flour (choose a good quality flour to achieve a soft and fluffy dough)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g; dry yeast is an alternative, but in this case, use 7 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- Warm water (about 150-200 ml, the ideal temperature is 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (salt is essential for the dough's flavor)

Preparing the cakes:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. This is where we will activate the yeast. Dissolve the cube of yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This is an excellent way to check if the yeast is active.

2. Kneading the dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the well of flour. Add the salt as well. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, begin to incorporate the flour into the liquid until you obtain a soft but non-sticky dough. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, bit by bit, until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Shaping the cakes: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn the dough out. Divide it into pieces of the desired size. If you want smaller cakes, divide the dough into 8 parts; for larger cakes, make 6. Form balls and then flatten them gently with your palms or a rolling pin, obtaining discs about 1 cm thick.

5. Baking on the griddle: While the cakes rest and rise a bit, heat the griddle on the stove. Make sure the flame is at a medium to low level. Cover the cakes with a towel to keep them warm. Once the griddle is well heated, place the cakes on it. Cover them with a lid and let them bake for 5 minutes.

6. Flipping the cakes: After 5 minutes, check the cakes. Remove the lid, flip them, and let them brown on the other side, turning them occasionally for even cooking. The process should take about 10 minutes in total.

7. Serving: The cakes can be served warm, filled with salami, cheese, or salad, but they also go well with sweet jam or honey for a delicious breakfast. You can experiment with different fillings according to your preferences!

Useful tips:
- Always check if the yeast is active before using it. If it doesn’t foam, it’s better to replace it.
- You can add spices to the dough, such as cumin or garlic powder, for a different flavor.
- If making multiple cakes, you can freeze them. Place them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutritional information:
One cake has about 150 calories, depending on the chosen filling. These cakes are a good source of carbohydrates and can be an energizing breakfast. Adding protein-rich fillings, such as cheese or meat, will increase the nutritional value.

Possible variations:
- Whole grain cakes: Use whole wheat flour to add extra fiber and a deeper flavor.
- Herb cakes: Add fresh or dried herbs to the dough for a more intense aroma.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, use 7 g of dry yeast and follow the same activation instructions.
- Can the cakes be baked in the oven? Yes, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius and bake the cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 10-15 minutes until golden.

Griddle cakes are not just a delicious dish, but also a way to bring a touch of childhood memories to every meal. So, prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience! Enjoy your meal!