Citrus Infusions: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Description:

These Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a light, fluffy breakfast treat that combine the zesty freshness of lemon with the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth pancake with a citrusy burst of flavor that’s perfect for starting your day. The ricotta adds a luxurious texture while the lemon zest brightens up each bite, making this recipe a wonderful twist on the classic pancake. Ideal for brunch or a special breakfast, these pancakes are sure to delight anyone who loves a citrus-infused dish.

Origin:

Pancakes are a classic breakfast dish, but adding ricotta and lemon to the mix brings in elements of Italian cuisine, where ricotta is commonly used in desserts and savory dishes alike. Ricotta pancakes are popular in many parts of Europe, and the addition of lemon gives a fresh, bright flavor that is often used in Mediterranean cooking.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Pancakes:

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120 g)
• Baking powder: 2 tsp
• Salt: ¼ tsp
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (240 g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Whole milk: ¾ cup (180 ml)
• Fresh lemon zest: 1 tbsp
• Fresh lemon juice: 1 tbsp
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Butter: 2 tbsp (melted, plus more for cooking)

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup: For drizzling
• Fresh berries: Such as blueberries or strawberries
• Powdered sugar: For dusting
• Whipped cream: For topping

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
3. Flip the Pancakes: Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the Pancakes: Stack the pancakes on a plate and top with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your pancakes light and fluffy, stir the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing will result in dense pancakes.
• Adjust Consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The batter should be thick but pourable.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice will give the pancakes a brighter, fresher flavor than bottled lemon juice.
• Temperature Control: Be sure your pan is at the right temperature; too hot and the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through, too cool and they won’t cook evenly.

Recommendations:

• Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~300
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Sugar: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Cholesterol: 85 mg

These Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast. The creamy texture of ricotta cheese combined with the bright citrus flavor of lemon makes them a wonderful treat to enjoy with family and friends.