Welcome to a new recipe at Paulina Cocina! If there's one thing we know how to do well at Argentine tables, it's to spread out a variety of dishes at every gathering, as if it were the end of the world (or is it?). This tends to happen especially during the end-of-year celebrations, when the heat only allows for cold dishes, like the classic and colorful pancake stack .
The Spring Pancake Tower is a multi-colored wonder that, although it may seem complicated, is as simple as it is delicious. Who hasn't seen a relative struggling to cut a perfect slice without the tower collapsing? Indelible memories.
Today we're going to tell you all about the savory pancake stack , its other names, how to prepare it, the variations available, and some tips to make it beautiful and eye-catching without being a hodgepodge of ingredients. Here we go!
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About the Pancake Tower
Let's start with the basics: What's a pancake stack? It's stacked pancakes, like someone decided to play culinary Jenga, but filled with layers of incredible flavors . The most popular version of savory pancakes includes ham, cheese, vegetables , and a creamy sauce, like a good homemade mayonnaise , to tie it all together.
In some places this dish may be known as German pancake , or German cold cuts (we don't know why) but in general, and in Argentina, we usually call it pancake tower.
The spring pancake stack is the most famous. It boasts an explosion of colors and textures: grated carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and even olives! All interspersed with the pancakes. But don't think of the classic pancakes with dulce de leche . These are savory pancakes , a neutral version that can be paired with any filling.
Why the pancake stack is a party dish
If you're wondering why this recipe is often eaten during holidays, like Christmas , the answer lies in its practicality. In December in Argentina, with temperatures of 30 degrees in the shade, no one wants to turn on the oven.
The savory pancake stack becomes the perfect solution: fresh, easy to prepare and with that festive vibe that matches the Christmas toast.
Plus, the stuffed pancake stack has an unbeatable advantage: it can be made the day before. The flavors meld in the refrigerator, achieving an even richer result. It's the recipe that saves our lives at parties , and it also looks divine on the table.
8 Reasons to Make a Pancake Stack
- It's a versatile dish: The pancake stack is a true all-rounder in the kitchen . It can be used as a starter, main course, or even as a brunch option. With minor adjustments to the ingredients, it can be adapted to any occasion, whether it's a formal dinner or a snack with friends.
- Easy to prepare: Although it looks sophisticated, assembling a stack of savory pancakes is easier than it seems. It's made in layers, with simple ingredients, and requires no cooking once it's ready. Bonus point for convenience!
- Ideal for warm climates: Fresh and light, the spring pancake stack is perfect for summer. Raw vegetables, cold sauces, and cold cuts combine to create a dish that doesn't overwhelm. Plus, it eliminates the hassle of baking or long hours in the kitchen.
- It's economical and filling: Just a few ingredients are enough to make a stack that will feed the whole family. The size depends on the number of pancakes used, but 10 to 12 pancakes provide enough servings for 6 or more people.
- Suitable for customization: Every family has their favorite version, and that's where the magic lies. You can fill it with cold cuts, vegetables, cheeses, tuna, chicken, or even give it a more elaborate touch with smoked salmon or seafood .
- Visually appealing: With its multi-colored layers, this is one of those recipes that's eye-catching. Between the green of the lettuce, the orange of the carrot, and the red of the tomato, the stack of vegetables looks like an edible work of art.
- Can be prepared in advance: The tower can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the longer it sits, the better the flavors blend. Perfect for avoiding last-minute rushes!
- Perfect for sharing: This dish is designed to be enjoyed with a group. Whether it's for the holidays, a birthday party, or a picnic , it's a recipe that always shines on the table and makes generous portions.
7 Tips for Making Savory Pancake Stacks
- Achieving the perfect pancake: Make sure they're thin but firm . This way, they won't break when stacked.
- Balanced filling: Don't put too much of any one ingredient. The key is in the proportions.
- Just the right amount of sauce: Use just the right amount of sauce , mayonnaise, or homemade cream cheese to join the layers without overdoing it so it doesn't overflow the edges.
- Rest in the refrigerator: This step is key for the flavors to integrate .
- Decoration: A few parsley leaves, capers, chopped egg or spring onion are some of the endless options to add color to the surface of the tower.
- Avoid excess moisture: If using vegetables such as tomatoes or lettuce, it is essential to drain them well before placing them .
- Clean cut: Run the knife under hot water before cutting the portions to prevent it from sticking and breaking the pancake stack.
Variations for preparing pancake tower
- With seafood: Ideal for a more sophisticated touch. Can be made with shrimp, hearts of palm, and golf sauce.
- Vegetarian: With spinach, ricotta, and walnuts . A feast of textures.
- Christmas style : With shredded chicken , apple and mayonnaise.
- Gourmet: With chunks of Brie or Roquefort cheese and a touch of caramelized onion , for a contrast of flavors.
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Deli Pancake Tower Recipe
Yield: 6 portions
Preparation time: 1 hour (+1 hour refrigeration)
Ingredients
- 10/12 pancakes (100 g of flour, 1 cup of milk and 2 eggs. Optional: a pinch of salt)
- 200 g of cooked ham
- 200 g of sliced cheese
- Various ingredients, for the filling of your choice (avocado, boiled egg, lettuce, tomato, carrot)
- 200 g of mayonnaise (homemade is better)
- Olives and parsley for garnish
How to make savory pancakes in 5 steps
For the pancake batter:
- Mix the eggs with the milk in a bowl. Add the flour little by little, beating with a wire whisk until fully combined. Optional: add a pinch of salt. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan (approximately 20 cm in diameter) and lightly grease with oil or butter.
- Pour a ladleful of batter and swirl the pan to distribute it evenly. Cook each pancake for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Let pancakes cool completely before using.
Assemble the pancake tower:
- On a platter, place a pancake as a base. Cover with a thin layer of mayonnaise, a slice of ham, and a slice of cheese.
- Add a second pancake and top with grated carrot, avocado, or your chosen ingredient.
- Continue alternating layers of pancakes with tomato, lettuce, ham, cheese, etc. until finished. Reserve enough for the final topping.
- Repeat until you finish with a pancake as the top layer. Spread with mayonnaise and garnish with olives, a slice of ham, an egg, and, optionally, a little chopped parsley.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
