Palacsinta (Hungarian Pancakes)

Palacsinta (Hungarian Pancakes)

Palacsinta are delicate, thin pancakes from Hungary, often served as a dessert or a delicious treat for breakfast. They are a bit different from traditional pancakes, as they are paper-thin and usually filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. The most popular fillings include sweetened fruit, jam, Nutella, or even a rich cream filling. In Hungary, Palacsinta are typically rolled up or folded and then dusted with powdered sugar.

Here’s how you can make your own Palacsinta at home:

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil (plus extra for greasing the pan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Filling (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup fruit jam (apricot, strawberry, or raspberry are popular)
  • 1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate spread
  • 1/2 cup sweetened whipped cream or ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed nuts (optional, for crunch)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, sugar, salt, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract (if using). The batter should be smooth and thin, similar to crepe batter. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the right consistency.
  2. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid, resulting in a smoother pancake.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little butter or oil.
  2. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan (about 1/4 cup), tilting the pan to spread the batter evenly over the bottom to form a thin layer.
  3. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Remove the pancake from the pan and place it on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as necessary between pancakes.

Step 3: Fill the Palacsinta

  1. Once all the pancakes are cooked, it’s time to fill them. Spread a thin layer of your desired filling (jam, Nutella, whipped cream, or ricotta) on each pancake.
  2. Roll up each pancake or fold it into quarters, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Optionally, you can dust the filled Palacsinta with powdered sugar before serving.
  2. Serve them warm, and enjoy the sweet, delicate flavor of these traditional Hungarian pancakes.
PREPARATION