Gratinated pancakes
Gratinated Pancakes with Strawberry and Banana Jam
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
There are moments in life when a simple dessert becomes an unforgettable memory. Gratinated pancakes with strawberry and banana jam are one of those desserts that blend simplicity with sophistication. Whether you're making them for a special breakfast or as a dessert for a dinner with friends, these pancakes are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Plus, they can be customized to your taste, turning them into a true culinary masterpiece.
Let’s begin our culinary journey!
Ingredients
For the pancakes:
- 250 ml milk
- 150 g flour
- 3 eggs
- Strawberry jam (or any other preferred type)
- 2-3 bananas, sliced
- 2-3 drops of vanilla extract
- Butter (about the size of a walnut)
- A pinch of salt
For the syrup:
- A glass of water
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 150 g sugar
Preparing the pancakes
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or mixer to blend the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth mixture. It's important to avoid lumps in your batter.
2. Adding the flour: Gradually add the flour while continuously mixing. This step is crucial for getting fluffy pancakes without holes. If you wish, you can sift the flour to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Incorporating the butter: Add a teaspoon of melted butter to the mixture for a smoother texture. Mix again to integrate the butter.
4. Cooking the pancakes: Grease a non-stick skillet with a little butter and let it heat over medium heat. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the skillet, tilting the skillet so that the batter spreads evenly across the bottom. Cook the pancake for 1-2 minutes or until it turns golden on one side, then flip it with a spatula to brown the other side.
5. Continuing the process: Repeat the procedure with the remaining batter, ensuring that each pancake is covered with a lid or towel after being removed from the skillet to keep warm.
Filling the pancakes
Once you have prepared all the pancakes, it's time to fill them with strawberry jam and banana slices. You can use any other type of jam depending on the season or your preferences. Place a tablespoon of jam on each pancake, add a few banana slices, and roll them up. Arrange them nicely in a baking dish.
Preparing the syrup
1. Mixing the syrup ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the water, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.
2. Heating the syrup: Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Finalizing the preparation: Once the syrup is ready, pour it evenly over the filled pancakes in the baking dish. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded.
Serving
Once out of the oven, you can serve the pancakes either plain or dusted with sugar. A delicious variation would be to add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast. These pancakes pair excellently with fruit tea or a creamy cappuccino.
Useful tips
- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, as they will influence the final flavor of the dish. For example, homemade jam will make the pancakes much tastier.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fillings, such as melted chocolate, chopped nuts, or even cottage cheese with vanilla. You can also add spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the pancake batter for an extra touch of flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How can I avoid lumps in the batter? Sifting the flour is key! Additionally, slow and steady mixing helps.
- Can I use plant-based milk? Absolutely! Almond or soy milk can be a great alternative.
- How can I keep the pancakes fresh? Cover them with a damp towel immediately after removing them from the skillet.
Nutritional benefits
This dessert can be a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour, the proteins in the eggs, and the vitamins from the fruit. Bananas provide a significant amount of potassium, while strawberry jam offers essential antioxidants.
In conclusion, gratinated pancakes with strawberry and banana jam are a versatile, easy-to-make, and absolutely delicious dessert. Whether you enjoy them on a lazy morning or prepare them to impress guests, they will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, get ready to have fun in the kitchen, and savor every bite!
Ingredients: For pancakes: 250 ml milk, 150 g flour, 3 eggs, jam, 2-3 bananas, a few drops of vanilla essence, butter the size of a walnut, a pinch of salt. For syrup: a glass of water, the peel and juice of a lemon, cinnamon, 150 g sugar.
