Pannenkoek

A pannenkoek, often referred to as a Dutch pancake, originates from the Netherlands. These pancakes strike a balance between the thick American or Scotch pancakes and the ultra-thin crêpes. They are larger and thinner than their American counterparts but not quite as delicate as crêpes.

One of the charms of pannenkoeken lies in their versatility. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as bacon, apples, cheese, or raisins. Popular toppings include treacle, appelstroop (a type of apple syrup), or simply a sprinkle of sugar. The basic recipe includes flour, milk, salt, and eggs, with a traditional twist of adding some buckwheat flour. The batter is cooked in a pan with a bit of butter or oil, and then they can be rolled up and enjoyed with your favorite toppings.

Pannenkoeken are flexible enough to serve as a main dish or as part of a two-course meal. In the Netherlands and Belgium, they're popular at children's birthday parties, and there are specialized pancake restaurants where you can choose from a wide array of toppings. If you’re pressed for time, you can find pre-cooked pannenkoeken and dry flour mixes in supermarkets.

The pannenkoek has also found its way into other regions with unique variations. In South Africa, they are often sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and then wrapped in wax paper, making for a delightful treat. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, where they are called Panekuk, they are enjoyed with sweet toppings such as honey, condensed milk, or hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), and sometimes even mixed with sliced bananas.

So whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, pannenkoeken offer a delicious and versatile option that caters to a variety of tastes.