Newari Style Sweet Rice Pancakes

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the British dish "Jam Pennies" to Newari cuisine, we replace the traditional jam filling with a sweet rice pancake. The original dish is transformed into a Newari-style dessert by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The use of jaggery, cardamom, and ghee adds a distinct taste and aroma to the pancakes, making them a unique and delightful treat in the Newari culinary tradition. We alse have the original recipe for Jam Pennies, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) rice flour 2 cups (400g) rice flour
• 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• Water, as needed Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil, for cooking Ghee or oil, for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, grated jaggery, and cardamom powder.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water to the mixture and whisk until you achieve a smooth batter consistency.
3. 3.
   Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat and grease it with ghee or oil.
4. 4.
   Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the griddle and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin pancake.
5. 5.
   Cook the pancake until the edges turn golden brown and crispy, then flip it over and cook the other side.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more ghee or oil as needed.
7. 7.
   Stack the cooked pancakes on a plate and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice flour — Ensure that the rice flour is finely ground for a smooth batter consistency.
• Jaggery — If jaggery is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar or palm sugar.
• Cardamom powder — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom powder.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the sweetness of the pancakes by adding more or less jaggery according to your preference.
• Serve the pancakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced fruits, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.
• To make the pancakes more aromatic, you can add a pinch of saffron strands to the batter.
• These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve them immediately after cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Newari Sweet Rice Pancakes as a delightful dessert or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown pancakes in a stack on a plate, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and serve them with a side of sliced fruits for an appealing presentation.