Kefir Pancakes with Holes

These delightful kefir pancakes are fluffy, tender, and have the unique characteristic of little holes that form on the surface, elevating their texture and appearance. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they bring a touch of Eastern European culinary tradition to your table. The acidity of kefir reacts with the baking soda, ensuring these pancakes are airy and light. They're slightly sweet and can be paired with various toppings, such as fresh berries, honey, or cream. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. With a quick preparation time, they are ideal for busy mornings or leisurely weekend breakfasts. Moreover, these pancakes are versatile; feel free to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them plain or with toppings, these pancakes are sure to satisfy. Gather your ingredients, heat your skillet, and soon you will be enjoying this wholesome dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 cup kefir
1/2 cup hot water
2 eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 pinches of salt
15 ml vegetable oil

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Beat the Eggs: In a bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they are frothy.
Incorporate the Kefir: Add the kefir into the eggs and mix to combine into a smooth, uniform mixture.
Sift the Flour: Gradually sift the flour into the egg-kefir mixture to avoid lumps.
Add Sugar and Salt: Stir in the sugar and salt, ensuring the batter is smooth and well mixed.
Prepare the Soda Solution: In half a cup of hot water, dissolve the baking soda completely.
Mix Water into Batter: Slowly incorporate the hot water and baking soda solution into the batter, stirring gently.
Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes, aiding the reaction between kefir and soda.
Add Oil to Batter: Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the batter, ensuring it's thoroughly combined.
Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.
Grease for First Pancake: Lightly oil the pan for the first pancake; additional oil shouldn't be needed due to the oil in the batter.
Pour and Spread Batter: Pour a ladle of batter into the pan, spreading it to create an even pancake layer.
Cook Until Golden: Cook each pancake until bubbles and holes form on the surface, then flip.
Finish Cooking: Cook the reverse side until golden brown, ensuring it's cooked through.
Adjust Heat: If the pancakes brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure even cooking.
Repeat Process: Continue making pancakes with the remaining batter, stacking them on a plate.
Keep Warm: To keep pancakes warm, cover them with a kitchen towel or place in a low oven.
Check Pancake Holes: Ensure the pancakes have developed their signature holes; adjust temperature if needed.
Serve Immediately: Serve the pancakes immediately with desired toppings.
Enjoy the Process: Enjoy the process of flipping and watching these pancakes puff up wonderfully on the skillet.
Store Extras: Store any leftover pancakes in the fridge, reheating in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.

Tips

Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, add a little more kefir or water to achieve the right consistency.
Temperature: High heat is crucial for forming the characteristic holes in the pancakes.
Substitutions: Use wholemeal flour for a healthier version, or substitute kefir with buttermilk if preferred.

Nutritions

Calories per pancake: Approximately 75
Protein: 2g
Fats: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a suitable gluten-free blend.
Vegan Alternative: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice instead of kefir.

Serving Suggestions

Toppings: Serve with honey, maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of cream.
Sides: Bacon, scrambled eggs, or sautéed vegetables are excellent companions.
Beverages: Pair with a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.

Best Places

Pancake House - An iconic spot for diverse pancake offerings. Location: 622 Grand Ave, Des Moines, USA.
The French Toast Cafe - Known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious pancakes. Location: 18 Rue de la Liberté, Paris, France.
Batter & Berries - Popular for its creative pancake menu and fresh ingredients. Location: 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, USA.
Kefir Kitchen - Specializes in kefir-based dishes, including pancakes. Location: 11 Pushkin St, Moscow, Russia.
Pancake Parlor - Offers an impressive variety of world pancakes. Location: 680 Chapel St, Melbourne, Australia.
Maple Syrup Blues - A charming spot with an excellent reputation for breakfast. Location: 5 Boulevard de l'Empereur, Brussels, Belgium.
Baker’s Delight Cafe - Renowned for their artisanal approach to pancakes. Location: 93 Queensway, London, UK.
Café du Petit Paris - Combines pancake tradition with French flair. Location: 77 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France.
Blueberry Hill Café - Offers a wide selection of pancakes, waffles, and more. Location: 6561 S 9th St, Philadelphia, USA.
Grandma's Pancake House - Where every visit feels like coming home. Location: 49 Zhongshan St, Beijing, China.