Emperor's delight: The simple art of crafting Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn, or emperor's omelette, is a beloved Austrian dessert for a luxurious breakfast. With a texture reminiscent of a fluffy soufflé, every forkful is a delight that simply melts in your mouth. Fortunately, it's straightforward to whip up at home, requiring ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

In Austria, while typically enjoyed as a dessert, who’s to say it can’t be indulged in for a weekend breakfast? The emperor's omelette pays homage to Emperor Franz Joseph I, a known fan of sweet treats. Its extraordinarily soft and fluffy texture echoes a delicate soufflé. Impressively, it can be prepared in under 5 minutes. Ready to learn how?

Debuted in 1832, Kaiserschmarrn or the emperor's omelette, was first served at the imperial-royal confectionery Zauner, famed for its desserts and sweet pastries. Emperor Franz Joseph I, a frequent patron, reputedly had a keen fondness for sweets, with the emperor's omelette ranking high among his preferred indulgences.

It's usually served as a main, a staple in the roster of traditional Austrian dishes for years. This simple creation involves milk, wheat flour, and eggs. The batter is cooked on a low flame in a heated pan and covered. Towards the end, the omelette is torn into bite-size pieces and traditionally garnished with powdered sugar. Common accompaniments include raisins, rum-soaked raisins, or stewed apples, though any fruit or your favourite jam is perfect.

Ingredients:

• 125 grams of wheat flour,
• 120ml of milk,
• 4 eggs,
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder,
• 2 tablespoons of butter,
• Powdered sugar,
• Optionally: raisins, berries, seasonal fruit, preferred jam, dulce de leche.

Preparation:

1. Begin by separating the whites from the yolks. Combine the yolks with milk, and whip the whites until stiff peaks form. A pinch of salt or a little lemon juice can help if they're not stiffening as expected.
2. Mix the sifted flour with the yolks, adding 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the baking powder. Blend to a smooth consistency. Gently fold the beaten whites with a silicone spatula, ensuring the mixture stays airy.
3. Heat a pan over low and melt the butter. Once melted, add the batter, cover, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip the omelette, tear it into smaller pieces, and cook for another few minutes.
4. Once done, generously dust the powdered sugar and serve it with your choice of fruit or other favoured additions.