NÖCKERL (AUSTRIAN PANCAKES)
4 servings

When in Salzburg, few visitors fail to indulge in one or more of these souffléed globular puffs. To be fair, they are more akin to free-form soufflés than pancakes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Combine in a medium bowl and whisk until thickened and pale:

  • 2 large egg yolks (whites reserved)
  • 1 tablespoon (10g) sugar
  • (Finely grated zest of 1 lemon)

Beat in a large bowl until almost stiff:

  • 3 large egg whites

Gradually beat in:

  • ¼ cup (50g) sugar

Beat until the whites are very stiff and shiny, then beat in:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Sift over, then gently fold in with a silicone spatula:

  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour

Gently fold in the egg yolk mixture. Immediately melt in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

When the butter smells fragrant and is just beginning to color, spoon four 1-cup mounds of the mixture into the skillet, heaping them high and spacing them as far apart as possible. Cook until the pancakes are lightly colored on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the pancakes until lightly brown and puffed but still soft in the center, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle generously with:

  • Powdered sugar

Serve at once. If desired, accompany with:

  • (Warmed preserves or Fresh Berry Coulis made with raspberries)
Own a physical copy? Find this recipe on page 649–50.

Pancakes, Waffles, Doughnuts, and Fritters