Panamanian Corn Flour Pancakes
These delicious Panamanian Corn Flour Pancakes are a delightful breakfast option that celebrates the unique flavors of the region. Made with fine cornmeal, or 'crema de maiz,' these pancakes are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, providing a wholesome start to your day. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the richness of the eggs, along with a fluffy texture, make these pancakes a hit for both kids and adults. Designed for flexibility, the recipe invites you to experiment with different corn flours, while the easy-to-follow instructions ensure success in the kitchen. Ideal for family breakfasts or a special brunch, these pancakes are both satisfying and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn flour (or crema de maiz)
2 cups (fine ground)
Boiling water
2 cups (boiled)
Oil
1/4 cup (neutral flavored)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Baking powder
4 teaspoons (sifted)
Sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (table salt)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn flour and corn meal.
3
Gradually pour the boiling water over the corn mixture while stirring continuously to create a smooth paste. Ensure there are no lumps.
4
Add the oil, beaten eggs, baking powder, sugar, and salt to the corn mixture and mix well until fully combined.
5
Let the batter sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
6
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
7
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake, spreading it gently to form an even circle.
8
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set.
9
Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
10
Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
11
Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or dairy-free yogurt.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Panamanian Corn Flour Pancakes?
These are a delightful breakfast option made with fine cornmeal, also known as crema de maiz, offering a unique regional flavor profile.
Are Panamanian Corn Flour Pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, these pancakes are naturally gluten-free because they are made using corn flour instead of wheat flour.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe uses oil and water instead of milk or butter, making it suitable for a dairy-free diet.
What is crema de maiz?
Crema de maiz is a type of finely ground corn flour commonly used in Panamanian and Latin American cooking.
Why do I need to use boiling water?
Boiling water is poured over the corn flour to help hydrate the meal and create a smooth paste without lumps.
What kind of oil should I use in the batter?
The recipe calls for a neutral flavored oil to ensure the corn flavor remains the star of the dish.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need two beaten eggs for this specific recipe.
Should the baking powder be prepared in any special way?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 4 teaspoons of sifted baking powder for the best results.
How much sugar is included in these pancakes?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to provide a balanced sweetness.
Why does the batter need to sit for 5 to 10 minutes?
Letting the batter rest allows the corn flour to fully hydrate, which causes the mixture to thicken slightly for better cooking.
How do I prepare the skillet for cooking?
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil before pouring the batter.
How much batter should I use per pancake?
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake and spread it gently into a circle.
How long do I cook the first side of the pancake?
Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set.
How long do I cook the second side?
After flipping, cook the pancakes for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving of these corn flour pancakes.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these pancakes?
One serving contains 24g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides about 3.2g of protein.
What are the recommended toppings?
You can serve these warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or dairy-free yogurt.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple, follow-along instructions.
Can I use different types of corn flour?
Yes, while fine cornmeal or crema de maiz is suggested, the recipe is flexible for experimenting with different corn flours.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe requires 7 main ingredients: corn flour, boiling water, oil, eggs, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, these pancakes are considered family-friendly and are generally a hit with both kids and adults.
Is the texture of these pancakes different from wheat pancakes?
They have a unique fluffy texture and a richness from the eggs and cornmeal that distinguishes them from traditional wheat pancakes.
Do I need a specific type of salt?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of standard table salt.
Can I cook these on a regular pan?
A non-stick skillet is recommended to ensure the pancakes flip easily and do not stick.
What should I do if the pancakes are burning?
Adjust the heat of your skillet as necessary between batches to prevent the pancakes from burning.
Are these pancakes healthy?
Yes, they are described as a wholesome and nutritious start to the day.
What is the primary meal category for this dish?
These are primarily a breakfast or special brunch dish.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
While specific cholesterol data is null in the facts, the recipe does contain two eggs which naturally contain cholesterol.