Austrian pancake revival: The sweet omelette making waves
The trend for Kaiserschmarrn is returning, with viral videos showing how not to worry when a pancake is too thick or an omelette doesn't turn out well. Kaiserschmarrn, a delicacy from Austrian cuisine, is best made with the following proportions and by experimenting with ideas for toppings.
So, what does kaiserschmarrn taste like? To put it simply, it is akin to a delicate soufflé. It can be served with various accompaniments, such as raisins, seasonal fruits, or jam. It is an excellent choice for a filling breakfast, providing energy for the rest of the day.
What makes the dish unique
Kaiserschmarrn has a long history dating back to the 19th century. It was created in honour of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who loved sweet dishes. In Austria, it is considered both a dessert and a sweet breakfast. Legend has it that Kaiserschmarrn was created by accident: Emperor Franz Joseph I was ready to have dinner when the chef served him an omelette that fell apart during frying. To save the dish, the chef decided to sprinkle it with icing sugar and serve it with fruits. The Emperor liked this new dish so much that it became his favourite dessert. That’s where the name "Kaiserschmarrn," which literally means "Emperor's Mess," comes from. So, how do you make it in a more controlled way?
Proportions for the pancake
Preparing Kaiserschmarrn is easy and quick, and most of the necessary ingredients are found in every kitchen. For one large breakfast serving, prepare 3 eggs, 120 ml of milk, 60 grams of flour, and a pinch of salt. Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the whites until stiff. In a bowl, combine the yolks, milk, and flour, and sweeten to taste with, for example, 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar. Finally, fold in the egg whites. Fry in clarified butter, on one side over medium heat until set. Turn the omelette to the other side—don't worry if it falls apart, as it needs to be "chopped" into smaller pieces later in the cooking. And what about serving?
Ways to enhance it
While the traditional Kaiserschmarrn tastes delicious with icing sugar and fruits (in the form of homemade jams, fruit preserves, or fresh seasonal produce), it's worth experimenting with different additions. You can add chocolate pieces, nuts, or even dried fruits. Served with maple syrup or sprinkled with coconut flakes, it will become even more special. It's also worth trying a version with dried fruits to highlight the sweet taste of the omelette.
