Kaiserschmarrn
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Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiserschmarrn#/media/File:2015_0731_Kaiserschmarrn_Apfelsoße_Edelweisshütte_Sölden.jpg
Kaiserschmarrn is a tall sweet pancake that's roughly chopped, and then served in pieces with sugar and fruit sauces. It's a comfort food favorite in Austria, Bavaria, and other parts of the former Austro-Hungarian empire.
It's served as a dessert, but also a rich brunch food in the Alpine regions.
It's attributed in various legends to the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I, and the name devolves to 'Kaiser' and 'chopped.'
Kaiserschmarrn Recipe (Austrian Shredded Pancake)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Milk – 1 cup
- Eggs – 4 large (separated into yolks and whites)
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons (plus extra for sprinkling)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Butter – 2 tablespoons (for frying)
- Powdered sugar – For garnish
- Raisins – ¼ cup (optional, soaked in rum or water)
- Applesauce, plum compote, or jam – For serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and lump-free.
- If using raisins, stir them into the batter.
Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Kaiserschmarrn
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and the edges start to set.
- Flip the pancake carefully (it’s okay if it breaks a little) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Use a spatula or fork to tear the pancake into bite-sized pieces. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until all pieces are golden and slightly crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter as needed.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the Kaiserschmarrn pieces to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm with applesauce, plum compote, or jam on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Kaiserschmarrn is a delightful dessert or a sweet main dish. Pair it with:
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream
- A dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor
Name_ | Kaiserschmarrn |
---|---|
Origin_ | 🇦🇹 Austria |
Morphology_ | ☰ flat |
Flavor_ | sweet |
Filling_ | none |
Topping_ | sugar, fruit sauces |
Recipe_ | Kaiserschmarrn Recipe |
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