Gratinated pancakes

Gratinated pancakes with strawberry and banana jam

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, we will prepare a recipe that combines sweetness with a fine texture: gratinated pancakes filled with strawberry and banana jam, drizzled with a fragrant lemon and cinnamon syrup. These pancakes are perfect for a special breakfast, a savory dessert, or even a snack between meals. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

A brief story about pancakes

Pancakes have a rich and diverse history, being a dish found in many cultures around the world. From the thin and delicate pancakes of France to the thicker and fluffier ones from America, each variation brings a touch of charm. Today, we focus on a simple yet sophisticated recipe that allows us to play with fillings and flavors.

Necessary ingredients

For pancakes:
- 250 ml milk (preferably whole for a richer texture)
- 150 g flour (you can use white or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 3 eggs (for a fluffy consistency, make sure they are at room temperature)
- Strawberry jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 2-3 bananas (ripe, for a sweeter taste and creamy texture)
- A few drops of vanilla essence (for an extra flavor)
- Butter (about a walnut size, for greasing the pan)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the taste)

For syrup:
- 1 glass of water
- Zest and juice of one lemon (fresh, for an intense flavor)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- Cinnamon (half a teaspoon, or to taste)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the pancake batter
In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the milk. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla essence and a pinch of salt, then mix again.

2. Incorporating the flour
Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously. It’s important not to add all the flour at once to avoid lumps. The mixture should be fluid but not too thin. Finally, add a teaspoon of melted butter and mix until smooth.

3. Cooking the pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and grease it with a little butter. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the pan, tilting the pan so that the batter evenly covers the bottom. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges of the pancake start to lift and the bottom turns golden.

4. Flipping the pancakes
Use a spatula to flip the pancake, allowing it to brown on the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the pancake from the pan and place it on a plate, covering it with a lid or a towel to keep warm. Continue cooking the remaining batter.

5. Filling the pancakes
Once all the pancakes are ready, it’s time to fill them. Place a pancake on a plate, add a spoonful of strawberry jam in the center, and a few banana slices. Fold the pancake into a roll and place it in a baking dish. Repeat the process for all pancakes.

6. Preparing the syrup
To make the syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the water, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

7. Gratinating the pancakes
Pour the warm syrup over the pancakes arranged in the dish. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish inside for 8-10 minutes, until the pancakes become slightly golden and the syrup thickens.

8. Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can serve the gratinated pancakes plain or dusted with sugar. A serving suggestion would be to accompany them with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a perfect contrast of textures.

Tips and useful advice
- If you like to experiment, you can replace the strawberry jam with other flavors, such as orange marmalade or peach jam.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make sure the pan is well-heated and greased with butter before each pancake to prevent sticking.
- Pancakes can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.

Nutritional information
A serving of gratinated pancakes (2-3 pancakes) contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the filling and syrup. These pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, while bananas add fiber and potassium, beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of milk? Yes, plant-based milk (almond, soy, etc.) is an excellent alternative for those avoiding dairy products.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by using plant-based milk and replacing the eggs with a combination of water and ground flaxseeds.
- Can I freeze the pancakes? Yes, you can freeze the pancakes before filling them. Make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Now that you have all this information, you are ready to prepare delicious gratinated pancakes that will surely impress everyone! Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and experiment with ingredients and flavors that you love. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For pancakes: 250 ml milk, 150 g flour, 3 eggs, jam, 2-3 bananas, a few drops of vanilla essence, a walnut-sized piece of butter, a pinch of salt. For syrup: a glass of water, the zest and juice of one lemon, cinnamon, 150 g sugar.