- Combine dry ingredients:Â Sift the flour and salt (if using) into a bowl.
- Create the well:Â Make a well in the center of the flour.
- Mix wet ingredients:Â Crack the egg into the well and add a quarter of the milk. Stir gently, incorporating the flour gradually.
- Complete the batter:Â Slowly add the remaining milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook the pancakes:Â Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a thin layer of batter onto the pan. When bubbles appear on the surface, flip the pancake.
Tips for Fluffy Pancakes
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, making the pancakes tough. Mix just until the lumps are gone.
- Let the batter rest:Â Allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This gives the baking powder time to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Use the right temperature:Â The pan should be hot but not too hot. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes will brown too quickly on the outside and be undercooked on the inside.
- Separate the eggs:Â For extra fluffy pancakes, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the batter.
- Use buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Storage Suggestions
- Short-term:Â Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a pan with a little butter or oil.
- Long-term:Â For longer storage, freeze pancakes individually or in stacks separated by wax paper. To reheat frozen pancakes, place them on a plate and microwave for a few seconds or reheat in a toaster oven.
By following these tips, you can enjoy fluffy, delicious pancakes any time!
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands.
A typical pancake (assuming a medium-sized pancake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-7g
Serving Tips
- Sweet tooth:Â Enjoy your pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of sugar and lemon juice.
- Fruity delight:Â Top with fresh or cooked fruit like berries, bananas, or applesauce.
- Protein boost:Â Add a scoop of Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for extra protein and creaminess.
- Savory twist:Â Experiment with savory fillings like smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, or avocado.
Plating Ideas
- Classic:Â Stack pancakes on a plate, drizzle with syrup, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
- Diner-style:Â Fold pancakes into a triangle and serve with bacon and eggs.
- Dessert-inspired:Â Top pancakes with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Creative kids: Let your kids get creative with toppings! Offer a variety of options like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fruit.
Conclusion
These easy-to-make pancakes are a versatile breakfast, brunch, or dessert option. With endless possibilities for toppings and fillings, you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and presentations!