Pancake Day is fast approaching, and we’re fired up to celebrate these tasty treats.

The world is united in pancake passion—nearly every nation features some type of pancake fare, in an array of shapes, sizes and flavors, from savory to sweet. We scoured the web to find the yummiest recipes from around the globe, so grab your spatula, your batter mixer—and most importantly, your appetite—and join us on a culinary tour of pancake-style international eats.

 

United States: Pancakes (with a twist)

From fun run breakfasts to weekend brunch, pancakes are the USA’s ultimate comfort food. Who can resist a steaming stack of syrup-slathered dough? But bready foods don’t agree with everyone, so we looked for an alternate recipe that scores high with diehard pancake fans and the health-conscious crowd alike. These Fluffy Coconut Flour Blueberry Pancakes are gut-friendly and gluten-free, yet retain plenty of traditional pancake puff.

 

Australia & New Zealand: Pikelets

As adorable as the name suggests, pikelets are the land down under’s answer to the pancake demand. These miniature discs (2-3 inches in diameter) are traditionally served at teatime, sweetened with jam and whipped cream. We also love this savory herb and cheese option. Tip: Since pikelets are eaten either hot or cold, be sure to make a big batch—any extras become the pancake equivalent of leftover pizza!

 

Korea: Pajeon

If savory is your style, these Korean pajeon dipped in spicy soy sauce are a must. The recipe calls for cake flour, which results in a light, crispy dough—but the airiness ends there. Packed with scallions and seafood (or any other vegetables or protein you prefer), these pancakes easily make a filling main course meal.

 

Malaysia: Roti Jala

Served as a snack alongside curries and stews, Malaysian “net bread” has a delicate, web-like look. It’s traditionally made with a special mold using several small spouts to pour the batter, but you can substitute the Whiskware batter mixer—just be prepared to work quickly while creating the lacey pattern in the pan. Try this recipe to rock your own pancake lace!

 

South Africa: Pannekoek

Pannekoek originated in the Netherlands, but South Africans claimed these crepe-like cakes as their own with the addition of cinnamon and sugar. Freshly cooked pannekoek are sprinkled with lemon juice and cinnamon-sugary sweetness, then rolled up and immediately scarfed down—and for reasons unknown, most often eaten on rainy days. Try this recipe next time you (and your sweet tooth) are stuck indoors.

 

Brazil: Panqueca

Pancakes are what’s for dinner when you whip up this yummy Brazilian panqueca recipe. Panquecas are similar to crepes and normally rolled around savory meat fillings, enchilada-style. Really, they can be wrapped around anything tasty—savory or sweet—and still be legit. Consider your batch of panquecas a blank canvas, and get your culinary creativity on!

 

Greece: Tiganites

Tiny Tiganites are rumored to be the first recorded pancakes in human history. As beloved today as in the 6th century B.C., tiganites earn their scrumptious taste from olive oil (in the batter) and a drizzle of honey (on top). For even more flavor, garnish with cinnamon, dried fruits, nuts, yogurt or even goat’s milk cheese. We’re especially smitten with this currant, honey and walnut tiganite recipe.

 

Austria: Kaiserschmarrn

Think of kaiserschmarrn as a food fight that’s fit to eat—or, purposefully deconstructed pancakes. A favorite breakfast food in Austria (also popular in the Bavarian region of Germany), kaiserschmarrn starts out similar to North American pancakes, but is cut apart while cooking, inviting butter and sugar into every nook and cranny. The best kaiserschmarrn also include fruit, like this peach-packed recipe.

 

Italy: Farinata (a.k.a. “cecina” or, in southern France, “socca”)

Gaga over garbanzo beans? Make this simple yet sophisticated pancake your new go-to. Traditional farinata consists only of chickpea flour, olive oil, water and salt. We love this recipe, which also adds fresh rosemary and black pepper. Tip: Traveling to Lucca, Italy? Seek out hole-in-the-wall hot spot Pizzeria da Felice in the medieval city center for an afternoon snack. Line up with the locals—farinata is served fresh out of the oven daily at 4:00 p.m. and sells out fast.

 

The Netherlands: Aebleskiver

The donut holes of pancakes, aebleskiver are a Dutch favorite during the winter holidays—or any time of year. You’ll need a special pan to create these spherical delights, but you can easily find one online for around $20. (Bonus: An aebleskiver pan makes a cool conversation piece for your kitchen.) Cooking aebleskiver is half the fun; devouring them is the other. Did we mention they can be filled with a variety of add-ins, including Nutella?

 

February 28, 2017

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