Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Chef-owner Mindy Segal
Hot Chocolate
Chicago
Pancakes are traditionally served on Fat Tuesday, the official end of Mardi Gras and beginning of Lent. Chef Mindy Segal lightens the batter with ricotta cheese to make these pancakes extra fluffy. For color and flavor contrast, chef Segal created a tart blueberry sauce enriched with lemon curd. If fresh blueberries are not available, frozen berries work just as well.
Ingredients
Blueberry compote
4 cups (2 pints) blueberries, fresh or frozen
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup prepared lemon curd (from 10-to 12-oz. jar)
1 tbsp. fresh orange juice
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. sugar
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 eggs, separated
1 cup (8 oz.) ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
1 1/2 cups milk, preferably whole
Confectioners' sugar
Steps
- Prepare blueberry compote: In a saute pan, combine the blueberries, cornstarch, 1 cup sugar, water, lemon curd, orange juice and a pinch of salt. Gently cook over medium heat until blueberries are tender but not broken down, and mixture simmers and thickens. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare pancakes: In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Stir in lemon zest. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix egg yolks and cheese. Fold in dry ingredients alternately with milk. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until medium-stiff peaks form. Fold into batter.
- Heat a buttered nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat or to 350 F. For each pancake, pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup batter and cook until bubbles form on top. Turn and cook until bottom is golden brown and pancake is cooked through.
- To serve: Stack 3 pancakes on each plate with a dollop of remaining prepared lemon curd between pancakes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and pour compote over pancakes.
Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board