Just saying the word pancakes creates a sense of happiness. There’s nothing quite like the pancake; it has its own unique expression in countries all over the world. Here are pancake recipes that deserve to be on your brunch rotation this winter.
Pancakes aren’t just for brunch dates or lazy mornings – they’re a worldwide obsession. From Parisian crêpes to the spicy Indian chila (or cheela), each culture brings its own twist to this timeless dish. Let’s explore five iconic pancakes that prove the world runs on batter and creativity.
French Crêpes
Crêpes are the OG fancy pancakes — thin, elegant, and effortlessly versatile. Sweet crêpes with Nutella? Yes. Savory crêpes with ham and cheese? Yes, double yes.
Ingredients for French Crêpes
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp melted butter
Directions
Blend the all-purpose flour, eggs, butter, and milk into a smooth batter. Add water and salt and combine well. Next, heat a pan, grease it lightly and pour a thin layer of the batter into it. Cook until one side is golden. Then flip and cook the other side until golden. Load up with your fave toppings and serve.
Japanese Souffle Pancakes
These Instagram-famous Japanese pancakes are a fluffy dream. They’re a cloud-like treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect if you love a little drama on your plate.
Ingredients for Japanese Souffle Pancakes
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp milk
1/4 cup cake flour
2 egg whites
2 tbsp sugar
Directions
Whisk yolks, milk, and flour together into a batter. Beat egg whites with sugar to stiff peaks, then fold into the batter. Cook slowly in ring molds and let them puff up. Serve with whipped cream and syrup.
Russian Cheesy Syrniki
A breakfast staple in Russia, syrniki are creamy, slightly tangy pancakes made with farmer’s cheese. You can pair them with a dollop of jam or sour cream. And what you have on your plate is basically pancake perfection.
Ingredients Russian Cheesy Syrniki
1 cup farmer’s cheese or ricotta
1 egg
3 tbsp flour (to coat)
2 tbsp sugar
A pinch of salt
Directions
Mix cheese, eggs, sugar, and salt to form a dough. Shape into small rounds, coat lightly in flour, and fry until golden. Serve with sour cream or jam.
Classic American Pancakes
Thick, fluffy, and perfect for a syrup bath, the American pancakes are comfort food royalty. Stack them high and drown them in syrup for the full effect.
Ingredients Classic American Pancakes
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
A pinch of salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
Directions
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and butter. Once mixed well, combine the dry and wet ingredients making a smooth batter. Grease a griddle slightly. Pour a thick layer of batter and cook until bubbly. Then flip and cook the other side. Once done, stack them on a plate. Add syrup, butter, and maybe a fruit topping if you feel fancy.
Indian Savory Chila
Indian chila is a spicy, savory pancake that is perfect for any time of day. Made with gram flour and spiced with turmeric and cumin, it’s healthy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients Indian Savory Chila
2 cup gram flour (besan)
1 cup water
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
½ onion (chopped)
½ tomato (chopped)
Cilantro sprigs (roughly chopped)
Directions
Whisk gram flour and water together into a smooth batter. Add turmeric, cumin, onion, tomato, and cilantro to the batter and combine. Add salt in the end and mix well. Pour onto a hot greased pan, spread thin, and cook until golden on both sides. Serve with yogurt or chutney.
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FAQs
Q. What toppings can I add to French Crêpes?
A. You can add chocolate sauce as a topping to your French Crêpes, and fruits like strawberries, or even make it savory by adding ham and cheese.
Q. What other spices can I add to the chila?
A. You can add powdered red chillies, carom seeds, or powdered garam masala to the chila.
Q. What cheese is used in a syrniki?
A. A syrniki is made of farmer’s cheese or ricotta.
