Romanian Cornmeal Pancakes

Ingredients

In Romanian cuisine, the traditional American Johnnycake has been adapted to create Romanian Cornmeal Pancakes. While the original Johnnycake is typically sweet and made with cornmeal, flour, and sugar, the Romanian version is savory and incorporates ingredients like cheese, herbs, and onions. The Romanian Cornmeal Pancakes are also served with sour cream or yogurt, which adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Johnnycake, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (150g) cornmeal 1 cup (150g) cornmeal
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated cheese (such as Telemea or Feta) 1/2 cup (60g) grated cheese (such as Telemea or Feta)
• 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped onions 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sour cream or yogurt, for serving Sour cream or yogurt, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
3. 3.
   Pour the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. 4.
   Add the grated cheese, chopped onions, and fresh herbs to the batter and mix until evenly distributed.
5. 5.
   Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
7. 7.
   Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Romanian Cornmeal Pancakes warm with sour cream or yogurt.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smoother texture in the pancakes.
• Cheese — Choose a cheese with a strong flavor, such as Telemea or Feta, to enhance the taste of the pancakes.
• Onions — Finely chop the onions to ensure they cook evenly and distribute their flavor throughout the pancakes.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dill or parsley work well in this recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier texture, you can add a little more oil to the skillet when frying the pancakes.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the pancakes.
• Serve the pancakes with a side of fresh salad or pickles for a refreshing contrast.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian Cornmeal Pancakes warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top. They can be enjoyed as a main dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pair them with a side of fresh salad or pickles for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Romanian Cornmeal Pancakes on a platter, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs. Drizzle some sour cream or yogurt over the pancakes for an appetizing presentation. Serve them alongside a colorful salad to add vibrancy to the plate.