Making good pancakes is all about getting the right balance of ingredients and following a few key steps. Here's a simple recipe and some tips to help you make delicious pancakes:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: additional ingredients like chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of these dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and melted butter. Whisk until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
If you're adding any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or blueberries, gently fold them into the batter.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can also lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Once the skillet is heated, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Use a ladle or measuring cup to make it easier to pour consistent amounts.
Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. This is a good indication that it's time to flip them.
Flip the pancakes using a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter.
Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips:
- For lighter, fluffier pancakes, you can separate the egg and beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Fold the beaten egg white into the batter just before cooking.
- Avoid pressing down on the pancakes with the spatula while cooking as this can make them denser.
- If you're making a large batch of pancakes, keep them warm in a preheated oven set to low heat (around 200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.
With these tips and a little practice, you'll be making delicious pancakes in no time. Enjoy!