Cachapas are a beloved Venezuelan dish that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and savoriness. These corn pancakes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a satisfying dinner, Cachapas are sure to become a favourite in your home. Made with sweet corn, and other simple ingredients, these pancakes are typically served with a generous helping of cheese, making them a delightful comfort food.
Jump to RecipeWhy you’ll love Cachapas:
- Unique Flavor: The sweet corn base gives these pancakes a distinctive flavour that stands out from regular pancakes.
- Cheesy Goodness: Filled with lots of cheese, Cachapas offer a rich, cheesy taste that complements the sweet corn perfectly.
- Cultural Experience: Trying Cachapas is a delicious way to explore Venezuelan cuisine and bring new flavours to your kitchen.
Tips to make Cachapas:
- Consistency: When blending the batter, aim for a consistency that’s smooth but still slightly chunky to preserve some texture.
- Cooking: Use a non-stick pan to ensure even cooking and easy flipping. A combination of butter and oil helps to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Serving: Serve the Cachapas hot with a generous amount of cheese for the best taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions;
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn can be used. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe. Make sure the corn is sweet and tender.
Can Cachapas be made gluten-free?
I have tried to make this recipe gluten-free by using only corn flour, but the result was a very difficult batter to work with as the pancakes were very difficult to flip. if you want to substitute the wheat flour for corn flour, I would suggest making small pancakes so they are easier to flip.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover Cachapas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Cachapas – Venezuelan Corn Pancakes
Course: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerCuisine: VenezuelanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
800g frozen sweetcorn (thawed)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup precooked cornflour (P.A.N)
1/3 cup wheat flour
Pinch of salt
Butter and oil for frying
400g shredded cheese (I’m using a mix of halloumi and mozzarella as filling for my Cachapas)
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the thawed sweetcorn, eggs, milk, sugar, salt, precooked cornflour, and wheat flour. Blend until the mixture is well combined, aiming for a slightly chunky consistency rather than completely smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and oil to the pan to prevent sticking and to achieve a golden crust.
- Pour a portion of the batter into the skillet to form a pancake, about 10-12 cm in diameter. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and set.
- Serve the Cachapas warm, fold in the middle and fill with a generous amount of shredded cheese. The cheese can be added directly to the pancake while still in the pan to melt, or added after plating.
Notes
Watch this Recipe’s Video:
Nutritional facts about the Ingredients:
- Sweet Corn: A good source of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, sweet corn adds natural sweetness and nutritional value to the dish.
- Eggs: Provide protein, essential fats, and vitamins, helping to create a rich and satisfying pancake.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and provides calcium and vitamin D.
- Precooked Cornflour (P.A.N) & Wheat Flour: The combination of these flours gives the pancakes structure and texture.
- Cheese: Halloumi and mozzarella add a deliciously salty, creamy element while also contributing protein and calcium.