Nigerian Pancakes

Nigerian pancakes are soft on the inside and crispy on the edges with subtle sweetness, making them the perfect breakfast, snack, or even light dinner.

What is the Nigerian Pancake?

So, what exactly are Nigerian pancakes? These are not your typical thick, fluffy pancakes; instead, they are thin, light, and slightly crisp on the edges, and they have a slightly denser texture.

While they are traditionally served for breakfast alongside hot beverages like tea or coffee, they are also quite popular as an afternoon snack, often accompanying chilled soft drinks. Furthermore, they can be adjusted to personal taste. Those who prefer a sweet note can drizzle honey, chocolate sauce, or dust the pancakes with confectionary sugar, while those of savory can opt for butter or even add diced onions and pepper to the batter.

What you’ll love about this recipe

• Relatively easy to prepare
• Unique flavour
• Versatile, suitable for any meal or snack.
• Great for sharing

What’s the difference between the Nigerian Pancakes and the fluffy American Pancakes?

While both Nigerian and American pancakes are made with similar ingredients, there are a few key differences.

Nigerian pancakes’ texture is characteristically light and spongy on the inside, while the exterior has a slightly crisp, golden-brown layer. It’s more like a soft thin bread.

Ingredients for making Nigerian-Style Pancake

1. Flour: is the primary dry ingredient in the pancake batter, providing structure and thickness to the pancakes.
2. Sugar: enhances the sweetness of pancakes and contributes to the overall flavor.
3. Baking powder: is a leavening agent that aids in the rise and lightness of pancakes.
4. Salt: enhances the pancakes’ flavor and balances the sweetness or savory elements.
5. Egg: ensures the batter binds well and contributes to its richness and texture.
6. Milk: provides moisture and creaminess, resulting in a tender texture.
7. Ground Nutmeg (Optional): adds a warm, aromatic flavor to pancakes, adding a unique twist to the recipe.
8. Vegetable oil: for frying pancakes to prevent sticking and achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

How to make The Nigerian Pancakes

1. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
2. Mix both into a smooth batter.
3. Cook 1/4 cup batter in an oiled pan, flipping once solidified, until lightly browned.

How to keep pancakes warm.

To keep the Pancakes hot, simply cover them loosely with an aluminum foil and keep the pancakes in a 200°F oven for as long as 20minutes.

Can I use oil in place of butter for making the Nigerian pancakes?

Yes, you can use oil; however, butter adds the most flavor. Skimping on butter robs pancakes of moistness. The butter needs to be melted for the best result.

Can these Pancakes be frozen?

Yes, leftover pancakes can be frozen. Once it’s cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to one month. Once frozen and reheated, they may not be as supple as the freshly made ones, but they are still delicious and convenient.

You can also watch the  Video of how it’s made here and my other Videos here.

Nigerian Style Pancakes

The African Pancake is a straightforward yet delicious meal. Just like most Pancakes, the African pancake consists of ”dry ingredients” – Flour, leavening, and sugar and ”wet ingredients” – milk, Egg, and butter. However, it’s unique texture is what makes it different from the fluffy Pancake.

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: African, Nigerian

Keyword: homemade, quick meal

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 342kcal

Author: Lola Osinkolu

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup sugar 4 Tablespoons
• 1 teaspoon baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• oil For cooking

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking, powder, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, add the eggs, milk, and melted butter together. Whisk well
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes smooth and lump free.
• Heat a griddle or pan and add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil
• Ladle about 1/4 of a cup (more or less depending on how big you want your pancakes to be) at a time into the Pan.
• Spread the batter into a circle by rotating and tilting the Pan (you can check video above)
• Flip to the other side as soon as you see the batter is beginning to solidify
• Cook the other side for about 30-40 seconds or till light Brown
• This yielded 10 medium sized Pancakes

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AplvbVjmntI

Notes

1 – Don’t over mix the batter this will lead to a tough Pancake as the mixing will develop the gluten level in the flour

2 – Use a heavy bottomed and preferably non stick Pan this will help prevent the batter from burning before cooking

3 – Have all your ingredients at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 442IU | Calcium: 296mg | Iron: 2mg

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If you make this African Pancake recipe, I’d love to see pictures of your creations on Instagram or Facebook. #cheflolaskitchen