Pancakes are a staple in French cuisine, loved by both young and old. Whether for a snack, breakfast, or even dinner, they adapt to every occasion and can be filled with various delicious ingredients. This simple and quick recipe helps you make light and tasty pancakes, perfect for satisfying all your cravings. Add some chocolate and hazelnut cream, and you’ll have an irresistible dessert.
History and Tradition of Pancakes
Pancakes, much like galettes, are symbols of French culinary culture. Their origins are traced back to Brittany, a region famous for its buckwheat production, where the well-known buckwheat galettes first appeared. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the sweet version of the pancake, typically made with wheat flour, spread throughout France. Today, pancakes are especially enjoyed on La Chandeleur (Candlemas), a traditional French holiday celebrated on February 2nd, but they are also relished year-round for their simplicity and versatility.
Why Choose This Recipe?
This recipe is simple to make and requires basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The pancakes made with this method are light, thin, and golden brown, perfect for any occasion. They can be filled in numerous ways, but today, we’ve opted for a version with chocolate and hazelnut cream— a perfect combination of sweetness and indulgence.
The preparation only takes a few minutes, but it’s advisable to let the batter rest for 30 minutes to get even lighter and airier pancakes. This resting time allows the flour to properly blend with the liquid, making the batter smoother and more consistent.
Basic Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these classic pancakes:
For the pancakes:
- 3 eggs
- 10g sugar (about 2 teaspoons)
- 2g salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 12ml oil (about 1 tablespoon)
- 250ml milk (about 1 cup)
- 125g flour (about 1 cup)
For the filling and decoration:
- Chocolate (milk, dark, or white chocolate according to your preference)
- Hazelnut cream (or hazelnut spread)
How to Make the Pancakes
- Prepare the pancake batter:
- In a large bowl, crack the three eggs. Add the sugar and salt, then whisk them together until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid any lumps. This ensures a smooth batter. Add the oil and mix well.
- Gradually sift and add the flour into the mixture while whisking continuously to guarantee a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period is important because it helps the flour absorb the liquid, resulting in lighter pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly oil it. You can use a paper towel to evenly distribute the oil over the pan.
- When the pan is hot, pour a small amount of batter into the center and tilt the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.
- Cook the pancake for about 1-2 minutes, or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to lift easily. Flip the pancake using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1 minute.
- Remove the pancake from the pan and place it on a plate. Repeat the process for the rest of the pancakes, making sure to lightly oil the pan between each one to prevent sticking.
- Fill the pancakes:
- Once your pancakes are cooked, it’s time to fill them. Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate or hazelnut spread onto each warm pancake. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave for easy spreading.
- Fold the pancake in half or into quarters, depending on your preference. You can also roll it into a cylinder if you prefer.
- Add a touch of hazelnut cream on top for extra indulgence.
- Decorate the pancake with extra chocolate pieces, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some crushed hazelnuts for a bit of crunch.
Tips and Variations
- Flavored pancake batter: You can add a little vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even rum to the batter for an extra flavor boost. A tablespoon of cocoa powder will give the batter a lovely chocolatey flavor too.
- Varied fillings: If you want to mix things up, you can add fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or even raspberries. Pancakes with fruits pair wonderfully with melted chocolate.
- Savory pancakes: This same pancake batter can be used for savory dishes. Simply replace the sugar with salt and fill them with cheese, ham, or eggs for a complete meal.
- Gourmet toppings: For added indulgence, you can top your pancakes with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce would also be a fantastic addition.
Pancakes: The Versatile Dish
Pancakes are an incredibly versatile dish, loved for their simplicity and their many variations. They can be served at any time of the day: for a complete breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as dessert after a hearty meal.
They can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two, making them an excellent choice for festive meals. You can reheat them slightly in the pan or microwave before filling them.
If you’re looking for a light yet indulgent meal, pancakes can be paired with a green salad, especially if you go for savory fillings. They’re also perfect for a gathering with friends, where everyone can customize their own pancake with their preferred fillings.
The Benefits of Pancakes
Aside from being delicious and comforting, pancakes offer some nutritional benefits. With eggs and milk, they provide proteins and calcium. If you add fruits to your filling, you’ll also benefit from the vitamins and minerals that come with them. However, it’s important to note that pancakes can be quite rich in calories, especially when topped with chocolate, hazelnut cream, and other sweet ingredients. For a more balanced choice, you can opt for lighter fillings like natural yogurt and fresh fruits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the simplicity of pancakes. The combination of the thin, golden-brown batter with a sweet or savory filling offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re ideal for bringing people together around the table, whether for a casual family meal or a fun gathering with friends.
The preparation is quick and requires minimal ingredients, making it an excellent choice for an impromptu meal or satisfying a sweet craving at any time of the day.
Conclusion
Pancakes are a timeless dish, both simple and refined, that never fails to delight those who eat them. With this recipe, you can prepare light, delicious pancakes filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream for a perfectly indulgent result. Feel free to customize the filling to your liking and share these pancakes with your loved ones to create unforgettable memories around this classic dish.
