Lenten pancakes

Lenten pancakes with sour cherry jam

On a Wednesday, when the tradition of fasting encourages us to enjoy simple yet flavorful dishes, I present to you a delicious recipe for Lenten pancakes filled with aromatic sour cherry jam. These pancakes are not only a perfect choice for a light meal but also a dessert that will delight everyone's taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 8 pancakes)

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 cup sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons sugar (preferably brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- flour - enough to achieve a liquid batter, about 1 cup
- oil for frying
- 200 g sour cherry jam (or to taste)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the pancake batter: Start by taking a large bowl to mix the ingredients. Pour in the cup of sparkling water, add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix well with a whisk or wooden spoon until the sugar completely dissolves. It is important to use sparkling water as it will make the pancakes fluffier.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the oil and mix again. Gradually start adding the flour while continuously mixing. The amount of flour may vary depending on the type used, but the goal is to achieve a batter similar to softer sour cream. Add the vanilla essence and mix well.

3. Resting the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This is an essential step that helps the gluten in the flour relax, resulting in fluffier and more elastic pancakes.

4. Frying the pancakes: After the batter has rested, take a non-stick frying pan and place it over medium heat. Add a little oil and, once it is heated, pour a ladle of batter into the pan, quickly rotating the pan to spread the batter evenly. Fry the pancake for 1-2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and turn golden. Flip the pancake with a spatula and fry for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Continue frying the pancakes one by one, adding oil to the pan as needed.

5. Filling the pancakes: Once you have finished frying all the pancakes, it’s time to fill them. Take a pancake, place a generous spoonful of sour cherry jam in the center, and fold it in half or roll it up. Repeat the process for all pancakes.

6. Preparing the cocoa glaze: To add a touch of flavor and an attractive appearance, you can prepare a simple glaze from 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 2 tablespoons of hot water. Mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous composition and pour it over the filled pancakes.

Serving suggestions: Serve the pancakes warm, drizzled with cocoa glaze, and for an extra touch of freshness, add some seasonal fresh fruit or a spoonful of vegan sour cream.

Tips and tricks:
- If you want fluffier pancakes, you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to the batter.
- Experiment with different types of jams! Cranberries, peaches, or apricot jam are all delicious options.
- If you don’t have sparkling water, you can use plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut) for a richer taste.

Nutrition and calories: These Lenten pancakes are an excellent choice, having a moderate calorie content. One serving (2 filled pancakes) has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of jam used. Additionally, due to the simple ingredients, they are a good source of carbohydrates and energy, ideal for an active day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or oat flour for a healthier version.
- How can I make gluten-free pancakes? Replace wheat flour with a combination of rice flour and cornstarch.
- Can the pancakes be frozen? Absolutely! Make sure to let them cool completely, then you can wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them. When you want to consume them, simply thaw and heat them in a pan or oven.

These Lenten pancakes with sour cherry jam are not only an excellent choice for fasting days but also a treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 cup of mineral water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, a vial of vanilla essence, 2 tablespoons of oil, enough flour to achieve a more liquid consistency, oil for frying, cherry jam.