Pancakes for Supper
Pancakes are often seen as a breakfast food, but there’s no reason they can’t make a delightful dinner as well. In fact, many people enjoy the comfort of a stack of warm.
fluffy pancakes for supper, especially when paired with savory toppings or even a sweet syrup drizzle.
Their light and fluffy texture, combined with the simplicity of the ingredients, makes pancakes a versatile and satisfying meal at any time of the day.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 cup white flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white vinegar
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the white flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Whisking the dry ingredients first ensures they’re well-mixed and helps create an even batter when combined with the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Add the whole milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and white vinegar.
The vinegar will react with the baking soda and baking powder to give the pancakes that light, fluffy texture.
Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could result in dense pancakes. It’s perfectly fine if the batter is slightly lumpy.
Once the batter is ready, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface.
with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Allow the pan to heat up before cooking the pancakes.
For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake.
Flip the pancake over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.
Continue cooking the pancakes in batches, making sure the skillet stays at a consistent temperature. If needed, adjust the heat to avoid burning the pancakes.
Once cooked, remove the pancakes from the skillet and keep them warm while you cook the remaining pancakes.
Serve the pancakes hot, topped with your choice of syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even savory ingredients like cheese and ham for a unique twist.
How to Make
To ensure your pancakes come out light and fluffy, it’s important to mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. This helps prevent overmixing.
the batter, which could make your pancakes dense. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough pancakes.
When mixing the batter, don’t worry if there are a few lumps. Lumps are perfectly fine and actually help keep the pancakes fluffy. Stir until just combined to avoid overworking the mixture.
Use a non-stick pan or griddle to ensure your pancakes don’t stick while cooking. If you don’t have a non-stick surface.
lightly grease the pan with butter or oil before each batch. Be sure to wipe away any excess grease with a paper towel to avoid greasy pancakes.
When cooking the pancakes, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature of the skillet. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
If the pan is too cool, the pancakes may turn out soggy and greasy. A medium heat setting is usually ideal for pancakes.
After flipping the pancakes, be gentle so they don’t lose their shape. If you flip them too roughly, they might deflate.
Leading to a less desirable texture. For perfect pancakes, use a wide spatula to flip and handle them carefully.
You can also make your pancakes larger or smaller depending on your preference. Larger pancakes will take a little longer to cook through, so just make sure the inside is fully set before serving.
Serve your pancakes immediately after cooking to enjoy them at their fluffiest. If you’re making a large batch.
you can keep the pancakes warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven or covering them with a clean kitchen towel.
Variations
While classic pancakes are delicious on their own, there are many fun ways to mix things up. For a burst of flavor, consider adding fresh fruit like blueberries, sliced bananas, or strawberries to the batter.
You can either fold the fruit in directly or sprinkle it on top of the pancakes as they cook on the griddle.
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to create chocolate pancakes. You can also fold in chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Pair them with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert-like meal.
To make your pancakes more savory, add grated cheese to the batter. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even parmesan can give the pancakes a delightful twist.
You could also add cooked bacon bits, sausage, or chives for a savory variation that pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a fried egg on top.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, simply substitute the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use a non-dairy butter. To replace the egg.
you can use a flaxseed egg or an egg replacer available at most grocery stores. These simple swaps will give you a dairy-free pancake that’s just as fluffy and satisfying.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the white flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it, as this will help.
with the texture. You can also use oat flour for a naturally gluten-free alternative, though the texture might be a bit different.
Spices can elevate your pancakes as well. Adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the batter will create a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall or winter.
A pinch of ground ginger can add a little zing, and a bit of orange zest can bring a refreshing citrus twist.
To make pancakes even more decadent, try stuffing them with filling. Cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter can be spread.
between layers of pancakes, making for a rich and satisfying meal. You can also top them with whipped cream, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for extra texture.
Tips
For the fluffiest pancakes, make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Old or expired leavening agents won’t create.
the rise needed for light and fluffy pancakes, so it’s important to check their expiration dates before using them.
When adding wet ingredients to dry, mix them gently to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense pancakes, so it’s best to stir until just combined with a few lumps remaining.
If you want to make pancakes in advance, you can freeze them for later. After cooking, allow the pancakes to cool completely, then stack them with parchment.
paper in between each one. Place the stack in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast or dinner.
Be sure to keep your pancakes warm if you’re making a large batch. Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C).
oven until you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain the warmth and prevents them from becoming cold or soggy.
If you find that your pancakes are sticking to the pan, try using a little more butter or oil between batches.
It’s essential to lightly grease the pan to avoid any sticking, especially when making multiple pancakes.
For a lighter texture, you can separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
then gently fold them into the batter at the end. This will give your pancakes an extra fluffy texture.
When flipping pancakes, wait for bubbles to form on the surface and for the edges to look set before turning them over. This ensures the pancake will hold its shape and cook evenly.
Conclusion
Pancakes for supper are a fun and comforting option, especially when you want to enjoy a meal that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. With a few simple ingredients.
you can create a dish that everyone at the table will love, whether they prefer it sweet or savory. Pancakes can easily be customized to suit any preference, making them the perfect meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving something traditional or eager to try new flavors, pancakes offer endless possibilities.
So, next time you’re deciding on supper, consider making pancakes—they might just become a new favorite meal for dinner!