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HomeEuropean FoodPek Nga (Malaysian Coconut Pancakes) • Curious Cuisiniere

Pek Nga (Malaysian Coconut Pancakes) • Curious Cuisiniere


Take pleasure in pek nga, a conventional Malaysian coconut pancake, any time of day. These Malaysian pancakes are studded with coconut and completely fried to perfection.

Pek Nga - Malaysian coconut pancakesPek Nga - Malaysian coconut pancakes

All people loves pancakes

I used to be a choosy eater as a toddler. Once I say choosy, I imply that even dipping my fries in ketchup (to not communicate of mayo) was too daring of a step for me.

However, there was one dish that I might by no means resist.

Palatschinke is a Hungarian number of pancake, which my father used to cook dinner for me once I was refusing to eat anything. Even after my palate developed and opened as much as new flavors, pancakes of all shapes and varieties have had a heat spot in my coronary heart.

A visit to Malaysia’s rice fields

Immediately, nonetheless, we will go away behind the chilly plains of Central Europe and journey to Langkawi, a tropical island in Northwestern Malaysia.

Langkawi is a magical place, with a serene shoreline, wild jungles, and luxurious rice fields.

Its individuals are a few of the most hospitable that I’ve ever met, and they’re extremely happy with their distinctive tradition, folklore, and delicacies.

On my second day in Langkawi, I set off to Langkawi’s rice fields. The island, often known as “Malaysia’s rice bowl”, has had an necessary function in Malaysia’s rice manufacturing all through historical past. To this present day, inexperienced plains of rice plantations cowl a major a part of the island.

These days, the world remains to be largely untouched by the tourism trade, which is centered across the shoreline space. However, you may often spot cultural museums, mosques, and native eating places.

Malaysian coconut pancakes with fish curryMalaysian coconut pancakes with fish curry

Discovering Malaysian pancakes

After strolling across the plantations for some time, having fun with a pleasant strolling meditation, my abdomen required some consideration, and I discovered myself dropping by the closest restaurant.

When touring and visiting a neighborhood restaurant, I make myself an adventurous behavior of all the time ordering a dish from the menu that I don’t acknowledge. “Pek nga” it was!

As my pek nga arrived, my interior little one abruptly awoke, able to dig in – I obtained a freshly fried pancake!

What’s pek nga?

Pek Nga is a conventional pancake from Northern Malaysia, particularly fashionable in Kedah state, the place Langkawi is located.

Its full title is Tempek Belanga Nyok.

Within the Malay language, “tempek” means to smear or unfold, whereas “belanga” refers back to the pan used for cooking. “Nyok” is the Northern Malaysian slang for coconut. Certainly, this wheat flour pancake is characterised by the bits of shredded coconut which can be added to the pancake batter.

Some variations could embody substituting a few of the water with coconut milk, to reinforce the coconutty aroma, or including mashed banana to the batter (if serving the pek nga with candy toppings).

Eating Pek Nga coconut pancakes in Malaysia Eating Pek Nga coconut pancakes in Malaysia

Particular suggestions for making these Malaysian coconut pancakes

Pek nga, opposite to my beloved Hungarian palatschinke, is sort of a thick pancake.

To realize the suitable consistency, one should let the pancake batter sit for about 10 minutes earlier than pan frying. Throughout that point, the batter thickens a bit. This additionally helps in spreading the batter evenly over the pan (as its title suggests).

If desired, it’s potential to make a big batch forward and reheat the pek nga on a frying pan till crispy once more. Since it’s vegan, it may be stored within the fridge for fairly a while, obtainable as a fast snack, a facet dish for dinner, and whilst a dessert.

serve these coconut pancakes

In Langkawi, Pek Nga is historically served with gulai panas, a sizzling fish curry that’s distinctive to the area as nicely.

Nevertheless, since Pak Nga could also be loved at any time of the day, and as a result of its versatile taste profile, it could even be accompanied by a spicy sambal, dried fish, and even powdered sugar or condensed milk.

But, for me, it’s all about that pek nga and gulai panas mixture.

Fish curry for serving with savory coconut pancakes from MalaysiaFish curry for serving with savory coconut pancakes from Malaysia

That second I sat in that restaurant, gazing on the pastoral plains and dipping my pancake in that spicy curry, I felt full serenity and satisfaction.

The textures, flavors, and views have been worlds aside, but nonetheless…

It was similar to having Dad’s well-known pancake.

Prep Time
quarter-hour

Cook dinner Time
10 minutes

Whole Time
25 minutes

Components

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut
  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Oil for shallow frying

Directions

    1. In a medium bow, combine shredded coconut, wheat flour, salt, and sugar.
    2. Steadily add 1 cup of water to the dry combination whereas stirring persistently, till a batter is fashioned (the batter ought to be a bit watery at this stage).
    3. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes, to thicken.
    4. Warmth a small skillet on medium warmth with 1-2 Tbsp of oil. Pour a ladle of the batter into the pan and unfold it evenly.
    5. When the perfume of barely charred coconut begins to come up, flip the pancake over.
    6. Cook dinner till either side of the pek nga are crispy and cooked by.
    7. Serve with Langkawi’s conventional fish curry and/or sambal belacan. Take pleasure in!

In case you appreciated this recipe, listed here are some comparable dishes you might get pleasure from!

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