Japanese Pancakes

Today i just took a trip to Japan in my kitchen. Doesn't make any sense? well,it will when you try these super fluffy and delicious Japanese style pancakes.I always thought that cuisines in this part of the world consists of really complex methods and flavors.But i was amazed when i came across this recipe on a popular Youtube channel named "Popsugar".It was so easy and it demanded only for few ingredients which (surprisingly) already existed in my pantry.I planned to make it the very next day for breakfast.And i must say i wasn't disappointed at all.I decided to make tiny pancakes and they turned out so gorgeous(off course after 2-3 failed attempts).The pictures testifies it.

Ingredients makes around 10-12 mini pancakes

• 3/4th cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1/3rd cup sugar or as per your taste
• 1/4th tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4th tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• Mould/cutter of your choice
• oil or butter as required

Method

1. In a mixer/blender add all your wet ingredients(buttermilk,eggs,vanilla essence)and the sugar.Give it a quick mix.I have used a hand blender here instead.And it worked fine for me.I reckon you can even use a whisk.
   
2. Add in the dry ingredients(flour,baking powder,baking soda,salt).Blend it again thoroughly.Do not get too excited and blend it for too long.Please save your time and do not sift your dry ingredients before adding them to your went ones.Make your life simple.
   
3. Once that's done take a nonstick pan.Brush the surface with some butter or oil.Take a donut or a cookie cutter of your choice and brush the interior with oil or butter generously and keep it on the pan to become hot.(Now first i went for the biggest round cookie cutter that i had with me to give my pancakes a circular shape.As seen in the picture.But then i changed my mind and used a flower shaped cookie cutter and i was so happy that i did that)
   
4. Once hot fill 3/4th of the cutter/mould with your pancake batter.Do not fill it till the rim as it shall rise.
   
5. Once bubbles starts to appear around the edges flip the pancake along with the mould/cutter.Cook till it turns golden.Once done take it out and place it on a plate.At this stage the mould/cutter should easily be detachable from the pancake.If it doesn't then take a knife and go around the edges.It shall come off easily.Grease the mould again for your next pancake and repeat the process.Serve your Japanese pancakes as it is or have it with some maple syrup,honey,custard or even chocolate sauce goes well with it.Your compact breakfast is ready so Eat it up! :)
   

P.s:If you do not have butter milk then don't worry.Take your normal milk and add some vinegar or lemon juice.Keep it aside for a while and tadaaa your buttermilk is ready.For 1 cup of milk add 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice.

Bombay masala toast

This popular Mumbaiya snack is one delicious and easy to make sandwich packed with full of flavors.This sandwich is quick and easy to make with just handful of ingredients that you might have in your pantry right now.This recipe has been adapted from Ruchi bharwani's recipes (rajashree channel on youtube) with some of my tiny changes.Do check out her version as well.

Ingredients (makes 6 small sandwiches)

• 3 medium sized potatoes boiled
• 1 medium sliced onion
• 1 small tomato finely chopped
• 1/4th cup of capsicum finely chopped
• 1 heaped tsp of ginger and green chilly paste
• 5-6 fresh curry leaves
• 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds
• 1/4th-1/2 tsp of amchur powder
• 1/4th tsp of pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
• coriander leaves chopped
• salt and sugar as per taste
• Mint coriander chutney as required
• Bread slices
• 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil
• Sliced onions,cucumbers and tomatoes (optional)

Method

1. Heat oil in a pan.Once hot add mustard seeds.Once it starts crackling add curry leaves.
2. Once the curry leaves splutter add in the sliced onions.
3. Once the onions starts sweating add in the tomatoes,capsicum and the ginger-chilly paste.Saute well.
4. Add in the mashed potato,turmeric powder,amchur powder,pepper powder.Mix everything well.At this stage if you like it spicy then add chopped green chilly as per your taste.
5. Add salt and sugar to taste.Sprinkle coriander leaves and switch off the flame.
6. Take 2 bread slices apply generous amount of coriander mint chutney.Spread the potato mixture on one of the bread slices and cover it with another bread slice.You can even add sliced onions,tomatoes and cucumbers on top of potato mixture to add more crunch and taste.
7. On a non-stick pan place your sandwich and toast it on medium flame.If you want you can add butter or oil to toast them.Your chatpata Bombay masala toast is ready.Serve it as you like and Eat it up! :)