Cékla palacsinta

Cékla palacsinta, or beetroot pancakes, are a colorful and nutritious twist on traditional pancakes. They can be enjoyed as a savory dish or even slightly sweetened for a unique treat. Here's a recipe for making beetroot pancakes:

Ingredients:

• For the Pancakes:

  • 2 medium beets, cooked and finely grated
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for savory version)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated cheese (optional, for savory version)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, for sweet version)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)

• For Serving (Optional):

  • Sour cream or yogurt (for savory version)
  • Fresh herbs, like dill or parsley (for savory version)
  • Honey or maple syrup (for sweet version)
  • Fresh fruit or berries (for sweet version)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beets:

   1. Cook the beets by either boiling or roasting them until tender. Once cooled, peel and finely grate the beets.

2. Make the Pancake Batter:

   1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
   2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper (if making a savory version).
   3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
   4. Fold in the grated beets and, if desired, the grated cheese for the savory version, or sugar/honey for the sweet version.

3. Cook the Pancakes:

   1. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil or butter.
   2. Spoon a small amount of batter onto the hot skillet, spreading it into a pancake shape.
   3. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pancakes are golden and cooked through.
   4. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil or butter as needed.

4. Serve:

   1. For savory pancakes, serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
   2. For sweet pancakes, drizzle with honey or maple syrup and top with fresh fruit or berries.

These beetroot pancakes are vibrant, healthy, and versatile, making them a perfect dish for any time of the day. Enjoy your cékla palacsinta!