The Plethora of Pancakes

Pancakes are an essential component of breakfast all over the world. The ingredients are usually similar for these pancakes, but the techniques, quantities, and processes used give rise to a great variety of pancakes. Each country or region has developed a personalized recipe which is staple for its population, and the journey of the dish can even represent the major events that occurred in their story. From the toppings to the syrups and sides, there’s a big range of choice for pancake enjoyers. Let’s explore some of them!
1) American Breakfast Pancakes
The classic has got to have the first mention. The very recognizable golden circles that sit beside toast and crispy bacon are an unforgettable part of the traditional American breakfast. A square of butter placed and maple syrup drizzled on top- it is an image widely represented in television, comics, and cookbooks. Powdered sugar is also a popular topping for these pancakes, though it isn’t favorable for recommendation as the batter has caster sugar added in prior too.

Russian Blinis
The recipes for Blinis from Russia may sound uncannily similar to those of your favorite cakes, but there might just be something much more versatile waiting in store! Blinis are made with whole milk, cream, egg yolks, and melted butter. Unlike other pancake counterparts, it can be utilized and matched up with multiple different flavors- sweet, savory, as an appetizer, or as an entrée. They can be made in any desired size, from one fitting the circumference of a plate, or even enough for just a bite.

Irish Boxty
Boxty is one of the most wholesome and hearty dishes you will find in the world of pancakes. The highlighted ingredient of this pancake is potato. Yes, you read it right! We’ve come far from the crispy hash brown towards the soft and succulent potato pancake. It is best suited with savory flavors like a good sauce, or if you’re feeling adventurous, even some good gravy! Its dynamic name is just a foreshadowing of how creative you can get while combining it with toppings!

Korean Pancakes
Traditional Korean pancakes are the kind of dish that stand alone efficiently and need no additional sides to keep your stomach and heart satisfied. Loading on some good fiber, vegetables like green onions, red onions, carrots, and further optional veggies act as the main ingredients. Then come the seasonings, corn starch, rice flour, and baking powder. It is commonly called ‘Buchimgae’ and alongside is served an acidic dipping sauce composed of soy sauce, vinegar, sesame, flavored oil, and more delectable stuff.

French Crepes
One of the most widely renowned forms of pancakes is the French crepe. Even French food exudes the timeless elegance and subtlety of the region. The sleek crepe is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk. Sometimes, upon customization, the milk is substituted with water. The French crepes do not have a distinct flavor of their own which makes them perfect for experimentation. You could put on some bacon bits, cheese, and cilantro for the salty side, and then try strawberry pieces and chocolate syrup for the sweet tooth.

South Indian Dosa
Dosa is a staple breakfast in South India, and frequently in the north too. Perhaps, it’s a staple for lunch and dinner too. It is made by soaking rice along with black gram lentils for the proper amount of time and then blending them together to form the batter. It has a right balance of fluffiness and crispiness. The huge variety is exciting too, some contenders being masala dosa, uttappam, rava dosa, besan chila, and more. But the most abundant choices pop up when it regards the dips and stews- chutneys and sambhars of all kinds will ensure that your Dosa experience is magical.

Corn Pancakes
Corn pancakes are a relatively new pancake variant which are made with ingredients like cornmeal, eggs, all-purpose flour, and fresh sweet corn; but the preferences of each cook are bound to vary. This is a refreshing breakfast item which can be altered to different levels of spice. The additions are open too, be it different sorts of vegetables or some delicious unique seasonings. The texture of these pancakes is also interesting.
Australian Pikelets
Pikelets are the ultimate breakfast for seekers of convenience, because they are available ready-made for instant purchase! They are evidently time consuming. Though the visual appearance of a pikelet is similar to that of a classic American pancake, the ingredients and techniques are different. Marmalade, Nutella, blueberries, or even caviar if you’re feeling fancy- all toppings are welcome!

Pancakes, just like flatbreads and rice dishes, have multiple versions developed all over the world. Each of them are more unique and delicious than the other. Breakfast is a universal activity and jazzing each morning up by exploring the aforementioned versatile pancakes definitely isn’t a bad idea!