Chila (Vegan & Gluten FreeZanzibari Rice, Coconut & Cardamom Pancakes)
Quarantine has had everyone suddenly become a chef. It’s actually nice to finally see people cooking with their families. However, this has also had people frantically buying basic ingredients such as Flour. I have literally given up looking for it!
So thank god for having recipes in my culture that find substitutes! These pancakes are literally the perfect thing to be making during this time and they please everyone!
Ingredients:
1 Cup of White Rice (I use Tilda Basmati)
1/2 Cup of White Sugar
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
1 Packet or 7g of Activated Yeast
1 TSP Ground Cardamom
Method:
Wash your rice and soak in water for at least two hours or overnight (this will also depend on how powerful your blender is).
Once soaked, drain your rice and add to a blender.
Warm your coconut milk in the microwave for about 40 seconds. You want it warm enough that you can stick your finger in but not too hot, otherwise you will kill the yeast.
Add the yeast to the coconut milk and mix it in, then leave to ferment and froth up for about 5 minutes.
Once the yeast has activated in the coconut add the mixture into the blender with the rice along with the sugar & cardamom.
Blend everything together until the rice has completely broken down and is no longer too grainy.
Place the mixture in a large bowl and cover with cling film or cloth.
Leave in a warm area to rise for about 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Once risen it would have doubled in size.
Heat your frying pan up to a high heat.
Using a ladle scoop the batter from the bowl and pour into the frying pan keeping them in a circle shape. I make mine quite small, so usually fill the ladle half way. But it’s all preference to how big you like your pancakes.
I would then reduce your hob to a medium heat as you don’t want the bottom to burn.
Leave them to cook slowly. DO NOT FLIP. You will notice little holes form on the top, and the batter begins to completely cook through.
Once they are completely dry on top, remove from the pan and plate.
We usually have ours with some cooked tea and dip them in. I like mine with melted chocolate & pineapple!
Please share your photos with me if you make them!