Classic American Breakfast – Pancakes and Hash Browns

The classic American breakfast is something we make at our house for a weekend brunch. When BM 31 had a theme with Non Indian breakfast, this was the first thing that came to my mind. I usually just whip up pancakes from the boxed pancake mix, but realized few days back that a basic pancake batter is very easy to make and does not need too many fancy ingredients. When we were eating this breakfast it reminded us of our family vacations. This is generally what we eat when we eat breakfast out (which happens only during vacations).

The recipe I have here for the pancakes and hash brown is very basic recipe. One could always add ingredients to make it to their liking. It is a pretty filling breakfast, so if you are in for a long morning this should keep you filled up for quite a while.

Classic American Breakfast

Pancakes –

Pancakes are named aptly so because they are cakes that are baked/cooked on stove top. The batter is made of all purpose flour with some eggs and milk and when it hits the hot pan, it puffs up and forms a cake like texture. We like our pancakes topped with some butter and drenched in maple syrup. When my kids and husband eat out in place like IHOP, they love the different syrups that they serve there.Preparation time – 10 mins
Cooking time – 20 mins
Difficulty level – easy

Ingredients – (makes 12 medium pancakes)

All purpose flour – 1 ½ cup
Baking powder – 1 tbsp
Eggs – 2 large (whipped)
Milk – 1 ¼ cup
Butter – 2 tbsp (melted)
Sugar – 2 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Non stick spray or butter – for frying the pancakes

Procedure –

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and make a well in the center.
Add all the wet ingredients and mix well to form a smooth batter.

In the meantime heat a griddle or cast iron pan. Spray some non stick spray or apply some butter on the pan and then pour a ladleful of batter in the pan.

When you see bubbles on top, it’s time to flip the pancake. On medium heat, it takes only about 30 sec/side to cook. Remove when cooked and keep it warm.
Repeat with the rest of the batter.
Serve warm with some butter and lots of maple syrup (try to use the pure maple syrup if you can).

Hash browns –

Preparation time – 30 mins
Cooking time – 20 mins
Difficulty level – easyWho does not like potatoes? Hash brown was one of the first things that I fell in love with when I came to US. This is a perfect recipe that makes you wonder how can something made with just 3 ingredients (OK, 4 if you add the oil) be so delicious. The key to making crispy on the outside, soft in the inside hash browns would be to start with completely dry potatoes. Like I already mentioned this is a basic recipe for a hash brown. You could always add flavoring of your choice to enhance the recipe. When making this, I always make a little extra for me to eat with thayir saadham (curd rice).

Ingredients – (Serve 4)

Potatoes – 3 large (preferably russet)
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Oil – to cook the hash browns (about 6 tbsps)

Procedure –

Scrape the skin from the potatoes and shred it using a box shredder. Use the large blade to shred the potatoes.
Now rinse the shredded potatoes well under cold water at least 2 or 3 times to get rid of all the starch.

Dry the potatoes really well. I used cheesecloth to wring out all the moisture from the potatoes and then used paper towels to take out the remaining moisture.

When the potatoes are drying up, heat a large cast iron pan.
Add about 2 tbsp of oil and then drop a ladle full of potatoes on the pan. Add salt and pepper in the potatoes and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes (in medium heat). You could use a flat spatula to press on the potatoes to help form a tight cake.