Poffertjes

Poffertjes (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈpɔfərcəs] (listen)) are a traditional Dutch batter treat. Resembling small, fluffy pancakes, they are made with yeast and buckwheat flour.[1][2] They have a light, spongy texture.

Poffertjes
Poffertjes served with butter and powdered sugar.
TypePancake
CourseDinner, snack, dessert
Place of originNetherlands
Region or stateNorthwestern Europe
Serving temperatureWarm or hot
Main ingredientsBatter (yeast, flour)

Typically, poffertjes are a sweet treat, served with powdered sugar and butter, and sometimes syrup or advocaat. However, there is also a savoury variant with gouda cheese.[3]

History

Poffertjes, also known as 'brothers', originated from a Catholic tradition. In the churches in the south of the Netherlands, sacremental hosts were used during the communion ceremony. Because the host was very dry, the brothers started experimenting with different recipes. From these culinary experiments the poffertjes that we know today have emerged. The south of the present-day Netherlands was traditionally Catholic, so the traditions deviated from the Protestant north. Because the hosts are part of a Catholic tradition, it is suspected that the Poffertjes were created in the provinces of Limburg or Noord Brabant.

Servings

Poffertjes are a festive holiday treat in the Netherlands, popular at both summer festivals and Christmas markets.[2] Mainly in the winter season temporary stands selling poffertjes are quite popular and sell portions containing one or two dozen. Usually the cook prepares them fresh for the customer. They are sold on a small cardboard (sometimes plastic) plate and come with a small disposable fork the size of a pastry fork. Poffertjes are not difficult to prepare, but a special cast iron pan or copper pan (also available in aluminium with Teflon coating) with several shallow indentations in the bottom is required.

Almost all Dutch supermarkets (like Albert Heijn, Lidl & Jumbo) sell ready-made poffertjes that only need to be microwaved, and are sold complete with a sachet of powdered sugar and a small serving of butter. Supermarkets also stock mixes for poffertjes, to which only eggs and milk need to be added. Usually they contain some kind of leavening agent like baking powder.

Poffertjes can also be served with other sweet garnishes, such as syrup, whipped cream or strawberries, for added flavour.

Poffertjes are also known in Indonesian cuisine through its historical ties as the former Dutch colony.[4]

  • The special poffertjespan
  • Poffertjes preparation in Jakarta

Similar dishes

Poffertjes are thought to be related to and to have influenced the Indonesian kue cubit. Poffertjes have some similarities with Indian paniyaram and Chinese egg waffles, but differ in many aspects.

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See also
  • Æbleskiver – Danish traditional batter cakes a similar Danish dish
  • Egg waffle, a similar Chinese dish
  • Kue cubit, a similar Indonesian dish
  • Kuzhi paniyaram, a similar dish from the south of India that comes in sweet and savory varieties
  • Serabi, a similar dish utilizing coconuts found in Thailand and Indonesia.
  • Takoyaki – Japanese appetizer, a similar savory Japanese dish filled with diced octopus
  • List of pancakes – Wikipedia list article
  •  Food portal

References
  1. Tiefenbacher, K.F. (2017). The Technology of Wafers and Waffles I: Operational Aspects. Elsevier Science. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-12-811452-0. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  2. "Poffertjes". Holland.com.
  3. Clara ten Houte de Lange (2007). Dutch cooking today. Inmerc. p. 14. ISBN 9789066118454.
  4. Albertin Hoesni. Pedoman Memasak Terampil Kue Nostalgia Belanda (in Indonesian). PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama. ISBN 9789792246285.
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