Nigerian Pancakes (Thin Crepe-Style Pancakes)
In short: Thin, tender crepe-style pancakes scented with nutmeg and vanilla, rolled up with sugar and lemon or honey for a Nigerian breakfast or party snack. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 405 kcal
Nigerian pancakes are thin and flexible, closer to crepes than to the thick American kind. The batter is scented with nutmeg and vanilla and cooked in a light film of butter, then rolled up warm. People eat them for breakfast with sugar and lemon or honey, and they are common on party tables. A short rest for the batter keeps them tender and easy to flip.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, sugar, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, water, vanilla and melted butter.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk until smooth. Rest the batter for 20 minutes. It should be thin, like light cream.
- Heat a 20 cm (8 inch) nonstick pan over medium heat and brush it lightly with butter.
- Pour in about 60 ml (1/4 cup) of batter and tilt the pan so it spreads thin. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, until the edges lift and the underside is pale gold.
- Flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Slide onto a plate and cover with a towel while you cook the rest, buttering the pan between pancakes.
- Roll up the warm pancakes and serve with sugar and lemon, or drizzle with honey.
Tips
- If the batter thickens as it rests, loosen it with a splash of water. The first pancake is often a tester, so do not worry if it is uneven.
- Stack cooled pancakes with parchment between them and refrigerate for 2 days. Warm them in a dry pan for 20 seconds per side.
Questions and answers
How are Nigerian pancakes different from American pancakes?
They are thin, flexible crepes made without baking powder. They are usually rolled or folded rather than stacked and drenched in syrup.
Can I freeze Nigerian pancakes?
Yes. Stack them with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm them in a dry pan.
Why do my pancakes tear?
The batter may be too thick or the pan too hot. Rest the batter, thin it with a splash of water and cook on medium heat.
How long does it take to make Nigerian Pancakes (Thin Crepe-Style Pancakes)?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nigerian Pancakes (Thin Crepe-Style Pancakes)?
About 405 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 57 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 405 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
