How to Make Tapioca Flour Pancakes August 17, 2016
Best way to get through those Olympic TV marathons? Whipping up these sweet or savory tapioca flour pancakes.
Tapioca, also known as manioc, is a starchy substance extracted from the root of the yuca plant. When ground into a flour, it can be used in place of cornstarch as a thickening agent for soups and glazes. You’ve likely also come across the ingredient in the form of chewy, small pearls in puddings or bubble tea. Today, however, we’re turning our attention (and our stomachs) to a traditional Brazilian street food: tapioca flour pancakes.
And by pancakes, we mean SUPER simple, gluten-free, sweet or savory masterpieces.
Super Simple
Thanks to the hefty amount of moisture in tapioca, it can cook into a thin pancake with only one added ingredient: water! Doesn’t get much easier than that.
Gluten-Free
Since tapioca is not a grain, it is naturally gluten-free. (However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be aware of the risks of cross-contamination and opt only for store-bought brands that are certified gluten-free.)
Speaking of nutrition, tapioca also aids digestion, enhances energy levels, and improves circulation.
Sweet or Savory
These crepe-style pancakes can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or anytime in-between. To satisfy your sweet tooth, fill them with fruit and either chocolate or honey. For savory cravings, try a hearty shredded beef filling, the classic cheese curds and coconut combo, or a ham, cheese, and arugula trifecta.
Masterpieces
We’ll let the recipe speak for itself, here. Trust us, if you’ve never had tapioca flour pancakes, you’re in for a treat.
Brazilian Tapioca Flour Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1/3 Cup Small Tapioca Pearls
- Sliced Bananas
- Honey
- Oranges
- Ham
- Cheese
- Arugula
- Tomatoes
Instructions:
- Prepare the pancake mixture: Place the tapioca pearls in a sift and dip into water before draining. Be sure they are as dry as possible.
- Cook the pancake: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of tapioca to the warm pan.
- Add the fillings: For savory pancakes, use ham, cheese, arugula, and tomatoes. For sweet ones, add honey, oranges, and bananas.
- Fold the tapioca pancake in two and serve!
Wash down your sweet or savory tapioca flour pancakes with a refreshingly fruity caipirinha cocktail (or two).
While you’re at it, show off your Brazilian cooking skills by snapping a photo and tagging #HelloFreshPics.
Looking for more gluten-free recipes? We’ve got three words for you: banana bread muffins.
Happy Cooking!