Poffertjes From The Netherlands

Yeasty little pancakes topped with powdered sugar and stroop.

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"When you love food, you love life, when you love life, you love art." - Johannes Vermeer Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat that resembles small, fluffy pancakes. These bite-sized delights have been a beloved part of Dutch cuisine for centuries and are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

The history of poffertjes dates back to the 17th century when they were first mentioned in Dutch literature. However, the exact origins of these delightful treats are not entirely clear. It is believed that they were initially created as a variation of the larger, flatter pancakes known as "pannenkoeken" that have been popular in the Netherlands for many years.

Poffertjes are made from a batter consisting of flour, eggs, yeast, and milk.

The batter is poured into a special poffertjes pan with several small, shallow indentations. The small pancakes are then cooked on both sides until they are light and fluffy, with a slightly crispy exterior.

Traditionally, poffertjes are served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a knob of butter. They are often accompanied by other toppings such as syrup, fruits, whipped cream, or even chocolate. While they are commonly enjoyed at fairs, markets, and festivals, poffertjes can also be found in many Dutch households and restaurants throughout the Netherlands.

Today, poffertjes continue to be a popular and cherished part of Dutch culinary culture, known for their delightful taste and unique texture. They have also gained international recognition and are often enjoyed by visitors to the Netherlands as a delicious and quintessentially Dutch delicacy.

Dutch Poffertjes Recipe

Prep time 45 minutes | Cook time 10 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar, or honey

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup lukewarm milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Butter, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir to combine.

2. Slowly add the lukewarm milk to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to create a smooth and lump free batter.

3. Add the egg and melted butter to the batter, and continue to whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.

4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the batter rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes.

5. Preheat a poffertjes pan or a similar cast-iron pan with small, shallow indentations over medium heat. Grease the pan with butter.

6. Using a large serving spoon, dump small amounts of the batter into each indentation, filling them about half way. It's best to fill the pan off the heat and return it once you've added all of your poffertjes.

7. Cook the poffertjes for a minute or two or until small bubbles appear on the surface and the bottoms are golden brown. Then, flip each poffertje using a skewer or a fork.

8. Cook the other side until it turns golden brown as well.

9. Once all the poffertjes are cooked, remove them from the pan and dust them generously with powdered sugar.

10. Serve the poffertjes warm with a pat of butter on top. I like my poffertjes with Dutch stroop, a thick Dutch molasses type product.

Enjoy these delightful Dutch poffertjes as a sweet treat or a delicious snack!

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!

If you want to try to make more flavors of Western Europe, check out the links my recipes below.

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