Balkan breakfast delight: Quick and crispy pancakes
If you enjoy warm breakfasts, be sure to try priganice—Balkan pancakes that win hearts with their simplicity and taste. Unlike pancakes, priganice are made with just three ingredients and take only a moment to cook. It's the perfect option for a quick and satisfying morning meal.
Priganice are traditional Balkan pancakes popular in countries like Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They're often served for breakfast, but they also work well as a snack or side dish. Their secret is simplicity—you don't need yeast or lengthy dough preparation. Just flour, water, and a pinch of salt are enough to create golden, crispy pancakes that taste great whether sweet or savory.
What are priganice?
Priganice are made with just a few basic ingredients like flour, water, and salt, making them inexpensive and easy to prepare. Their name comes from the word "prigati," which means "to fry" in Balkan languages, perfectly reflecting the nature of this dish.
Priganice are fried in deep oil, which makes them crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. They can be served sweet, with honey, jam, or powdered sugar, or savory—with feta cheese, natural yogurt, ajvar, or cold cuts. In the Balkans, they are often prepared for breakfast but can also serve as a snack or a side dish.
Recipe for priganice
Priganice are a symbol of the simplicity of Balkan cuisine, where filling and tasty dishes are created from a few ingredients. In many homes, they are served in a festive version with honey and nuts, making them a special dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
Preparation:
- In a bowl, pour the flour, add salt, and gradually add water, mixing until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Heat oil in a pot or pan.
- Using a spoon, scoop portions of dough and gently place them in the hot oil. Fry the pancakes on both sides until golden.
- Remove them onto a paper towel to drain excess oil and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
How to serve priganice?
Priganice are incredibly versatile—you can serve them sweet with honey, jam, or powdered sugar, or savory with feta cheese, natural yogurt, or cold cuts. In the Balkans, they are often served with ajvar or homemade cheese, giving them a distinctive regional flavor. This is a dish that can be customized to your liking, so it always tastes fresh and exciting.