Lemon Ricotta Syrian Pancakes are a delightful treat filled with creamy ricotta and flavored with fresh lemon zest, served with a sweet passionfruit syrup and topped with crunchy pistachios.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:Serving for 4 people 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Syrian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Passionfruit Syrup
240 ml honey
28 g butter (salted preferred or add a pinch of salt)
5 ml vanilla extract
5–10 ml dried lavender
Pulp from 2–3 passionfruits
Pancakes
250 g all-purpose flour
5 g baking soda
2 g baking powder
2 g salt
13 g granulated sugar
1 egg
5 ml vanilla extract
360 ml milk
240 ml water
Butter or canola oil for frying
65 g roasted pistachios, chopped
Filling
250 g whole milk ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
10 ml vanilla extract
Instructions
Combine honey and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract and dried lavender. Halve the passionfruits, extract pulp, and fold into syrup. Transfer to a jar for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add egg, vanilla extract, milk, and water; stir until smooth and lump-free.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until homogeneous.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or canola oil. Pour 1 tablespoon of batter per pancake, shaping into 7.5 cm thin rounds. Cook on one side only; when bubbles form, remove from heat. Place cooked side down on a baking sheet and cover with a clean towel.
Place 1 teaspoon of ricotta filling onto the uncooked side of each pancake. Fold pancakes in half and press the edges to seal. Work quickly to prevent drying.
Heat a skillet to medium, adding enough butter or oil to reach a 1 cm depth. Fry filled pancakes on each side for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Coat warm pancakes in the prepared passionfruit syrup, then dip the pointed ends into chopped roasted pistachios. Serve immediately with fresh fruit and extra syrup.
Notes
For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the filling.
Ensure the pancake batter is lump-free for a smoother texture.
Adjust the sweetness of the passionfruit syrup based on your preference.
Use fresh pistachios for better crunch and flavor.