The month of February promises to be delicious with the tradition of Candlemas, where pancakes take center stage. Every year, this delightful rendezvous allows us to rediscover this iconic dish of French cuisine.
To successfully make your pancakes, it is essential to master the pancake batter recipe. Whether you are an experienced chef or a simple enthusiast, the recipe that follows will charm you. Highly appreciated by both young and old, pancakes lend themselves to an infinite array of fillings and flavors, making each tasting unique.
Let’s discover the best recipe, unearthed thanks to the tips from Jérémy Le Gall, the best pancake maker in France 2023, and learn together the gestures that make the difference to impress your friends during this convivial moment.
The ideal recipe for successful pancakes
Here is the perfect composition to achieve light and tasty pancakes.
Essential ingredients
- 250 g of wheat flour
- 4 eggs
- 500 ml of milk
- 50 g of sugar
- 50 g of melted butter
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar (or a little vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
These ingredients are easily accessible and will allow you to make pancake batter simply and quickly. It is possible to add an additional flavor such as a bit of rum or orange blossom to enhance the taste. For an even fluffier texture, consider substituting part of the milk with cider or beer, a tip often recommended for an even airier effect.
Preparing the pancake batter
The preparation of your pancake batter is done in several simple steps. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, this will help to eliminate lumps.
Then add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well. For the liquid ingredients, break the eggs in the center of the flour and start whisking. Gradually add the milk while continuing to mix. This helps obtain a smooth and homogeneous batter.
Finally, incorporate the melted butter. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This rest is crucial as it allows the flour to hydrate properly and contributes to the lightness of your pancakes.
Tips for lump-free pancakes
Lumps are the number one enemy of a good pancake. To avoid this inconvenience, a few golden rules should be followed.
Incorporating the milk
To prevent lumps from forming, it is advisable to incorporate the milk gradually. Start with a small amount and mix well; once the batter is smooth, continue to add milk while whisking.
Using a blender
For even more convenience and a perfect texture, you can use an immersion blender. This helps to homogenize all the ingredients in just a few seconds.
Finally, let the batter rest for a good while. This allows air to enter and makes your pancakes lighter.
Essential utensils
To successfully make your pancakes, a few utensils prove particularly useful:
- A non-stick pancake pan
- A ladle to measure the batter
- A spatula to flip the pancakes
- A whisk or an immersion blender for batter preparation
These tools will make you an experienced pancake maker, ready to impress your guests.
Different fillings to enhance your pancakes
Pancakes are the ideal playground for your culinary creativity. Whether sweet or savory, the possibilities are endless.
Sweet fillings
For sweet pancakes, a well-known combination is chocolate and whipped cream. Also think of the traditional flambéed crêpe Suzette with orange, a true delight. You can also choose a filling of fresh fruits, homemade jams, or even a delicious chestnut cream.
Savory fillings
Savory pancakes, also called galettes, can be filled with cheese, ham, egg, and mushrooms. These combinations offer a tasty alternative for a main dish. For fans of more elaborate dishes, consider raclette pancakes or goat cheese recipes.
It is often recommended to prepare a variety of pancakes with different fillings so that everyone can find their happiness during the tasting.
An original touch for your pancakes
To stand out during your pancake nights, why not dare to try atypical recipes? Here are some ideas.
Pancakes with flavors from elsewhere
Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or cardamom into your batter for an exotic touch. You could also try replacing part of the flour with buckwheat flour for pancakes with an authentic taste.
Matcha or berry pancakes
Another interesting variation would be to incorporate matcha, the powder of Japanese green tea, which offers a beautiful color and a slightly bitter taste. For a sweeter option, berry purees can also be added to the batter for colorful pancakes.
These little touches of creativity will add a new dimension to your dish and delight your guests’ taste buds.
Tips for a successful pancake night
To ensure the success of your pancake night, a few tips can be invaluable. Prepare an assortment of fillings to allow everyone to create their pancake according to their desires. Arrange these fillings attractively on the table to stimulate the appetite.
Planning
Be sure to prepare your batter in advance so as not to be overwhelmed. Pancake batter can be stored in the refrigerator for two days. You can also pre-cook some pancakes, which will save you time on the big day.
Cooking tips
Use a well-heated and lightly oiled pan to cook your pancakes. Cooking only takes a few minutes on each side, so watch the color to avoid burning. By adding an original touch or offering themed pancakes, you transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet feast!