In South Africa, no market is complete without a pannekoek stand. These pancakes, traditionally served rolled up with cinnamon and sugar, are a beloved treat enjoyed by many.
South African pancakes are comforting, tender, and tasty, resembling a cross between a crepe and an American pancake. This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a family favorite for breakfast and beyond.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Shawn Godfrey, an entrepreneur from Cape Town, South Africa, is the creator of this delightful pancake recipe. Faced with business challenges during the Covid-19 lockdown, Shawn turned to cooking as a creative outlet. He started an Instagram account, The Roasted Dad, to share his recipes and encourage others to join him.
In late 2021, Shawn's culinary journey took an exciting turn when he participated in MasterChef South Africa. Despite juggling a demanding business, a growing family, and a house move, Shawn excelled in the competition. He emerged victorious, winning the trophy and a substantial prize.
Today, The Roasted Dad has evolved into much more than just an Instagram account. Shawn hosts private dinner parties, conducts cook-with-me demos, and even takes over restaurants, all while managing his lighting company and other ventures.
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The main SECRET of Perfect French Pancakes is to mix all the ingredients correctly!
How to Make South African Pancakes
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious pancakes:
- Prepare the Batter: Beat the eggs and sugar together using a mixer. Add water and vinegar, and continue to mix.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Sieve the flour over the mixture, then gently mix in. Add the oil and beat until creamy.
- Rest the Batter: Set the batter aside for one hour. This allows the starch to expand, resulting in lighter pancakes.
- Add Baking Powder: Just before making the pancakes, fold in the baking powder.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a little oil in one or more pans on the stove. Add the batter only when the pans are hot.
- Flip and Cook: Once the bottom is golden brown, flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook the other side until it also turns golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pancakes warm immediately, or keep them warm in the oven until all the batter is used.
Tip: The first pancake might not be perfect, so don’t worry if it doesn’t look great initially!
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Water
- Vinegar
- Flour
- Oil
- Baking Powder
Pancake Accompaniments
While traditional toppings like cinnamon/sugar, golden syrup, or strawberry jam are always a hit, feel free to get creative! During a recent holiday, Shawn fried up some bananas and glazed cherries for a delicious alternative.
Here are some more ideas for what to serve with your pancakes:
- Nutella or other nut butter
- Banana slices
- Strawberry jam
- Golden syrup
- Cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Syrup
- Nut butter
- Jam
- Cream cheese
- Clotted cream
- Cream cheese dip
Deck it up however you like: clotted cream, cream cheese dip, or cinnamon sugar.
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Tips for Tender Pancakes
Whisking the eggs separately and allowing the batter to rest for at least an hour helps relax the gluten, resulting in really light and tender pancakes.
Serving Suggestions
Pour about ½ cup of batter, depending on the size of your fry pan or skillet. Tilt the pan so the batter spreads across the bottom of the pan. Cook the pancake for about 2 minutes, flip, and cook the other side. Serve hot, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or syrup. You could also fill it with nut butter, jam, or cream cheese.
They create a great make-ahead breakfast. Store cooked pancakes between layers of parchment or waxed paper, then seal them in a ziplock bag.
Pancake Comparison
These tender pancakes are a little thicker than crepes but thinner than American pancakes. They’re comparable to South African or Swedish pancakes.
| Pancake Type | Thickness | Texture | Typical Toppings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crepes | Thin | Delicate | Sweet or savory fillings |
| South African Pancakes | Medium | Tender | Cinnamon sugar, syrup, fruit |
| American Pancakes | Thick | Fluffy | Syrup, butter, fruit |
Enjoy these versatile and delicious South African pancakes for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
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