Pan cake

Pancake

A pancake is a flat cake, often thin and round, prepared from a starch-based batter that may contain eggs, milk and butter and cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan, often frying with oil or butter. It is a type of batter bread. Archaeological evidence suggests that pancakes are probably the earliest and most widespread cereal food eaten in prehistoric societies.

History

The pancake's history dates back to ancient times, with variations of it being a traditional food in many cultures around the world. The ancient Greeks and Romans ate pancakes sweetened with honey; the Elizabethans ate them flavored with spices, rosewater, sherry, and apples. It has been a traditional food item in many parts of the world since the Middle Ages.

Ingredients and preparation

The basic ingredients of pancakes include flour, eggs, milk, and sometimes a leavening agent such as baking powder. Fat (often butter) is used to cook the pancakes. A wide variety of other ingredients can be added, including sugar, salt, chocolate chips, or blueberries.

Pancakes are made by mixing the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. The wet ingredients are then added to the dry, and the mixture is stirred until it's just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the pancakes tough. The batter is then ladled onto a hot, greased griddle or pan in small amounts to form individual pancakes. They are cooked until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, then flipped and cooked until browned on the other side.

Types of pancakes

There are many different types of pancakes. Some of the most popular include:

• American pancakes: Thick and fluffy, often served with maple syrup and butter.
• Crêpes: Thin French pancakes, often filled with fruit, cream, or ham and cheese.
• Dutch baby pancake: A large, puffy pancake baked in the oven.
• Blini: Thin Russian pancakes, traditionally made with buckwheat flour and served with caviar and sour cream.
• Dosa: A fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils, a staple food in South India.

Cultural significance

Pancakes have cultural significance in many societies, often associated with particular holidays or events. For example, in the United Kingdom, Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) is celebrated by making and eating pancakes. In North America, pancakes are often associated with breakfast and brunch.

Nutritional value

Pancakes can vary widely in nutritional value depending on the ingredients used. Traditional pancakes made from refined flour and topped with syrup can be high in calories and sugar. However, pancakes can also be made from whole grain flours and served with healthy toppings like fresh fruit to increase their nutritional value.

See also

• Waffle
• French toast