Courtesy Shutters On The Beach

Lemon ricotta pancakes are perfect for brunch. Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica elevates this traditional dish. The pancakes are amazingly light and have just a hint of fresh lemon. The secret, according to Shutters, is to fold fluffy egg whites into the batter and go easy on the sugar. Fresh berries are a great substitute for simple syrup.

SERVES:  2 – 3  This makes 6 large pancakes

INGREDIENTS

4 large egg yolks

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract or lemon oil

1/4 cup cake or all purpose flour

Pinch of kosher salt

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

4 large egg whites

Canola oil or nonstick spray, for cooking

Confectioner’s sugar for serving

Maple syrup, for serving  or mixed berries (optional)

PREPARATION

In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon extract. Whisk until light in color and aerated, about 2 minutes.

Whisk in the flour and salt. Then whisk in the ricotta cheese and melted butter until just incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold them into the batter, being careful not to over mix. The batter can be prepared the night before and  refrigerated.

Heat a griddle or a large sauté pan over medium heat and coat it lightly with oil.

Pour 1/2 cup circles of batter and cook until bubbles begin to form on the tops of the pancakes and the bottoms are golden, about 2 minutes. Then flip carefully and continue cooking until the pancakes are golden on the other side and dry in the middle.

Transfer the pancakes to serving plates and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar, or keep them warm in a 200 F degree oven until ready to serve.

Serve with syrup and berries on the side.

NOTES

Dana Slatkin is the author of The Summertime Anytime Cookbook: Recipes From Shutters On The Beach,  published by Random House. Check out another of my favorite recipes for lemon and ginger cookies. This book is filled with creative, delicious recipes.

– The Gourmet Review