Pancakes are one of those simple pleasures in life that everyone seems to enjoy, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or even an indulgent supper. Yet, achieving the perfect pancake is an art that requires just the right balance of ingredients, technique, and a bit of patience. The result? A golden, fluffy, and utterly delicious creation that can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings or simply with a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of sugar.
As in every great recipe, the base is the ingredients: eggs, milk, plain flour, salt, and vegetable oil. These staple items might seem unremarkable on their own, but when combined in the right way, they create a batter that is light and airy, perfect for producing pancakes with the ideal texture. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the milk adds moisture, ensuring the pancakes are tender. Plain flour gives the batter its body, and a pinch of salt is essential for balancing the flavours.
Vegetable oil plays a crucial role in the preparation of pancakes, both in the batter and in the cooking process. A little oil in the batter helps create a smooth texture and prevents the pancakes from sticking to the pan. Meanwhile, lightly greasing the pan with oil ensures an even cook, allowing the pancakes to develop a beautiful golden-brown surface without burning.
The technique is just as important as the ingredients. Achieving the perfect pancake requires a light hand when mixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy pancakes, as it develops the gluten in the flour too much. Instead, the batter should be gently combined until just smooth, with a few lumps remaining. These lumps will disappear as the pancakes cook, leaving behind a tender, fluffy interior.
When it comes to cooking, patience is key. The pan should be heated to a medium temperature, ensuring the pancakes cook evenly. Pouring the batter into the pan requires a steady hand to create pancakes of uniform size. Once bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges begin to set, it’s time to flip. The second side requires only a brief cook, leaving you with a perfectly golden pancake that’s soft on the inside and slightly crisp around the edges.
The beauty of pancakes lies in their versatility. They can be enjoyed in their simplest form with a sprinkle of sugar or drizzled with maple syrup. Alternatively, they can be transformed into a gourmet delight with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a savoury twist with bacon and eggs. The possibilities are endless.
In essence, the perfect pancake is more than just a breakfast item; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you’re a traditionalist who prefers them plain or an adventurer who piles on the toppings, mastering the art of the perfect pancake is a skill that will bring endless joy to your kitchen.
Perfect Pancakes
Perfect Pancakes are a simple way to bake the perfect pancake.
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Servings: 4 People
Calories: 271kcal
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs free range
- 350 ml milk
- 200 g plain flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a bowl and add the eggs. Gently whisk the mixture to incorporate.2 large eggs, 350 ml milk
- Pour the flour into a larger bowl and add the salt. Make a little hole in the middle and add the egg/milk mixture.200 g plain flour, 1 pinch salt
- Whisk the mixture together until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Add the 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and whisk to incorporate.1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Dip a piece of kitchen paper into the frying oil and gently wipe a frying pan.3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Place the oiled large frying pan over a medium heat and allow to warm up.
- I use a ladle for the next bit.
- Add about a ladles worth of batter to the pan and immediately swirl it around so that it forms a nice even layer.
- Cook the pancake for about 30 seconds using a spatula to check whether it is a lovely golden brown. If browned, flip the pancake over.
- Cook the underside for a further 30 – 40 seconds before serving.
- Serve on a warmed plate with your choice of filling/toppings.
- I will admit, I love a small spponful of sugar with orange segments. The citrus and the sweet work perfectly.
Nutrition
Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 3mg