Shared by Max Nye
Shared by Max Nye
Pantras (Fried Pancakes Filled With Chicken)
Yield: 25 pantras
Pantras (Fried Pancakes Filled With Chicken)
Yield: 25 pantrasFamily Journey
Baghdad, IraqCalcutta (present day-Kolkata), India
London
This recipe is featured in our cookbook "The Jewish Holiday Table: A World of Recipes, Traditions & Stories to Celebrate All Year Long." For more holiday recipes from around the world, get your copy!
Read more about Max Nye and his family in "This Family’s Rosh Hashanah Table in London Links Them to India and Baghdad" and try his recipes for Rose Harissa and Pea Pilau With Crunchy Onions, Beef Kofta Curry, and Carrot Meetha (Sweet Carrots)
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons canola oil, divided, plus more for frying
- 3 medium onions, diced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 pound chicken breast, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped7 eggs, divided
- 4 cups water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 ½ cups breadcrumbs
Preparation
Step 1
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over low, and saute the onions for 15 minutes until soft. While you wait, grate the garlic and ginger, or pulse in a food processor. Set aside.
Step 2
Once the onions have softened, add in the ginger, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 3
Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the chicken. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, making sure the chicken is evenly mixed. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 45 minutes, stirring intermittently. Once ready, take the lid off, increase the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes more to reduce any excess liquid. Remove from the heat and sprinkle in the fresh cilantro.
Step 4
While the chicken cooks, prepare the pancake batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk 3 eggs, 2 tablespoons oil, and 2 teaspoons salt. Add 4 cups of water and whisk again. Slowly add in the flour, making sure to get rid of any lumps.
Step 5
Make the pancakes: Lightly coat a medium nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray over a medium heat. When it’s hot, add ¼ cup of the batter. Tilt and swirl the pan to make sure the batter is spread out over the whole pan (about a 6-inch diameter or more). After 20-30 seconds, when the batter is semi-solid and starts to bubble, flip the pancake and cook for another 20 seconds on the other side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the process to make around 25 pancakes, separating each one with a paper towel. The pancakes should be thin and flexible.
Step 6
Assemble the pantras: Lay the first pancake out on a flat surface and add in 1 heaping tablespoon of chicken in a line along one edge. Fold the side of the pancake over the chicken about 1-inch. Fold up the bottom to encase the filling. Then roll up the pancake, sealing in the filling completely. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking tray or large surface. Repeat until all pantras are assembled.
Step 7
Prepare the breading station: Whisk the remaining 4 eggs in a bowl and scatter the breadcrumbs on a large plate. Dip each pantras into the egg mix, and then coat with breadcrumbs, ensuring all sides are well covered.
Step 8
In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in a few pantras and fry for around 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown and crisp. Once ready, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess oil, and repeat the process for the remaining parcels. ½ cup of oil makes around 12 pantras, so top up as you go.
Step 9
Serve immediately.
