Pancakes

Pancakes are one of the oldest and most traditional of Russian dishes, dating back to before the ninth century and the advent of Christianity. They are economical to make, as the batter uses a minimum of flour. Yeast may be added for extra bulk. The use of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) has been borrowed from Western cooking and is not traditional. Russian pancakes should have a particular consistency; soft, light, porous and fluffy, but at the same time semi-transparent with many clearly defined pores. Such pancakes absorb melted butter or sour cream like sponges, becoming juicy, glossy and delicious as a result.