Pancake Day, falling on Tuesday, February 17 this year, is fast approaching, and Brits across the nation are gearing up to test their flipping skills with a trusty frying pan. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet variations, there's no denying the universal appeal of pancakes, with their endless customisation possibilities.
Gordon Ramsay's Simple Yet Indulgent Pancake Inspiration
If you're searching for culinary inspiration, look no further than celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The culinary legend has shared countless recipes over his career, but sometimes simplicity reigns supreme – as evidenced by his light and fluffy pancake creation.
To truly elevate this classic dish, Ramsay recommends crowning the stack with a decadent yet straightforward touch: caramelised banana. You probably have a banana or two sitting at home, and with just a handful of additional ingredients, you can transform this humble fruit into something sensational that pairs beautifully atop a tower of fluffy pancakes.
The Pancake Batter: Light, Fluffy, and Absolutely Delicious
The pancakes themselves are remarkably easy to prepare, ideal for those who favour a thicker, Scotch-style pancake over a wafer-thin crepe. In a YouTube tutorial, Gordon Ramsay describes them as 'light, fluffy and absolutely delicious,' walking viewers through the entire process step by step.
Here is how to recreate Gordon Ramsay's pancakes at home:
Ingredients for the Batter
- 150g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Three eggs
- 75ml water
- Pinch of salt
- 120ml buttermilk
- Sunflower oil
Ingredients for the Topping
- Two bananas
- 50g sugar
- Knob of butter
- Splash of dark rum (optional)
Method for the Pancakes
Begin by sifting the flour into a mixing bowl using a sieve to ensure there are no lumps. Add the baking powder, which Ramsay notes will make the pancakes 'really nice and light and fluffy.' In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, and pour the water and buttermilk into the same measuring jug.
Tip the beaten eggs into the flour mixture, stirring thoroughly. Next, pour in half of the buttermilk and water combination, give it another good mix, then add the remaining liquid. Ramsay emphasises, 'The secret behind this pancake mix is to make sure we've no lumps anywhere.'
Heat a nonstick frying pan and add a splash of sunflower oil, ensuring it coats the entire surface. Use approximately half a ladle of batter per pancake, allowing them to sizzle for around 90 seconds on each side before flipping with a spatula and transferring to a serving plate.
Method for the Caramelised Banana Topping
For the topping, slice the bananas lengthwise down the middle. This technique prevents them from turning to mush during cooking. Tip the sugar into a pan over heat, but resist the urge to stir – simply leave it until it begins to turn golden. Once it reaches a lovely golden brown shade, remove from the heat.
Add the butter along with your banana halves. If desired, splash in some rum and use a long-reach lighter to set the pan alight and flambé the fruit. Follow with a dash of water to help the caramel thicken without becoming overly sticky, stirring until you achieve a rich, luxurious texture.
Pile the caramelised bananas generously onto your pancake tower. As Gordon Ramsay advises, 'Be generous with them, because they are the ultimate indulgence.' This simple yet elegant topping transforms a basic pancake stack into a show-stopping treat perfect for celebrating Pancake Day in style.
