Are you looking for a quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious breakfast or brunch option? Look no further! These crispy Matzo Meal Pancakes are the perfect solution for a busy weekday morning or a relaxed weekend gathering. This simple recipe transforms humble matzo meal into fluffy, flavorful pancakes that are both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. Perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious and different way to enjoy a healthy meal.
Ingredients: You'll need these simple staples
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (for sweeter pancakes)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm spice flavor)
- Toppings of your choice: Maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, nuts
Instructions: Let's make some pancakes!
Get started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the matzo meal, baking powder, salt, and optional sugar and cinnamon. Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined. This ensures even cooking and prevents pockets of dry matzo meal in your pancakes.
Wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter until well combined.
Combine:
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the matzo meal to absorb the liquid, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Cooking time:
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Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. You'll know the pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface.
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Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
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Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Pancakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the matzo meal, resulting in tough pancakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes gives the matzo meal time to absorb the liquid, creating a more tender pancake.
- Adjust the heat: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're taking too long to cook, increase the heat slightly.
- Use a non-stick pan: This will prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds:
- Savory Pancakes: Omit the sugar and add herbs and spices like chives, dill, or garlic powder. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
- Fruity Pancakes: Fold in your favorite berries or chopped bananas into the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
This will vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and portion size. However, a general estimate for one medium-sized pancake is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
These Matzo Meal Pancakes are a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. They're a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!