Discover the secret to fluffy Polish apple pancakes
Racuchy, or Polish pancakes, evoke a sense of home comfort and the taste of childhood. Want to make racuchy that are soft and fluffy? Try this method!
Racuchy are incredibly popular in Polish households. They're one of those dishes that remind us of childhood memories. Classic racuchy are made from a yeast-based dough, often with juicy apples added for a unique taste and aroma. What do you need to prepare them, and how do you make racuchy? You can find the recipe below.
How to make racuchy: Recipe
For the basic version of racuchy, you'll need all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, and a pinch of salt. If you'd like them to be more aromatic, consider adding vanilla sugar and a bit of cinnamon.
What do you need to make racuchy?
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 oz fresh yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 medium eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar (about 4 tablespoons)
- 1 package of vanilla sugar (about 0.5 oz)
- A pinch of salt
- 2-3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How do you make the racuchy dough? To prepare the dough for racuchy, start by dissolving the fresh yeast. Crumble it into a small bowl, add a teaspoon of sugar and flour, then pour in 1/4 cup of warm milk. Let it sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes to activate. Meanwhile, in a larger bowl, place the sifted flour, salt, the remaining sugar, and vanilla sugar. Pour in the activated yeast, the rest of the warm milk, then add the eggs and a bit of oil.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, preferably using a mixer with a dough hook, until you get a smooth, homogeneous mass. Finally, add the diced apples, gently mixing them into the dough. Cover the dough with a cloth and set it in a warm place for about 1 hour to rise and double in volume.
How to fry racuchy? Heat oil in a pan. Use a spoon to scoop portions of the dough and place them in the hot oil. Fry on medium heat on both sides until golden brown.
Do not scoop too much dough at once, as the raunchy can stick together. Place the fried raunchy on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
For a different flavor, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears, plums, bananas, or even some dried fruits.
What to remember when frying racuchy?
When preparing racuchy, keep in mind some basic principles that affect the final taste and appearance. Avoid common mistakes such as frying with oil that is too cool, which can make racuchy greasy and unappetizing. Also, remember the importance of proper dough rising time—this ensures the fluffiness and tenderness valued in this dish.
