South African flapjacks are a delicious, thick, and fluffy version of pancakes, often served as a breakfast or snack. They are typically smaller and fluffier than American pancakes and are usually topped with syrup, honey, butter, or fruit. Here’s a traditional recipe for South African flapjacks:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour and will give your flapjacks a nice rise.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and melted butter (or oil). You can also add the vanilla extract at this stage for extra flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the well. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together with a spoon or whisk, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy — if you overmix, the flapjacks can turn out tough. If the batter seems too thick, add a little extra milk to reach a pourable consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Flapjacks
Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a little butter or oil.
Once the pan is hot, pour a small ladle of batter (about 1/4 cup) into the pan for each flapjack. Use the back of the ladle to spread the batter into a round shape.
Cook the flapjacks for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges begin to look set. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Keep Warm
As you cook the flapjacks, you can keep them warm by placing them on a plate and covering them with a clean kitchen towel or foil. If you’re making a large batch, you can also place them in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your South African flapjacks hot with your favorite toppings. Popular options include:
- Golden syrup or honey
- Butter
- Fresh fruit (like banana slices, berries, or stewed apples)
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon
- Whipped cream or yogurt
Tips:
- For fluffier flapjacks: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This gives the baking powder time to activate and results in thicker, fluffier pancakes.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients or fold in some chocolate chips or fruit (like blueberries) to the batter.
Enjoy your South African flapjacks with a hot cup of coffee or tea! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert.
Why they’re called “flapjacks” in South Africa
The name may be linked to the old English usage of “flapjack” to describe a type of pancake. The word “flap” could refer to the flipping action during cooking (as in “flapping” the pancake over in the pan), and “jack” may have been added as a colloquial term for a flat, round shape. This usage of “flapjack” seems to have carried over into South African English, influenced by early British settlers.
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