In every culture, pastry makes up a significant portion of a country’s cuisines. But it can be confusing when presented with so many types of bread coming from different parts of the world.
In our article today, let’s have a look at the comparison of tortilla vs pancake and see what makes them stand out from each other.
Quick Facts
Tortilla:
- Origin: Mesoamerica.
- Usage: Flexible depending on the accompanying dish.
Pancake:
- Origin: Unknown.
- Usage: Served with sweet or savory toppings.
Related: My favorite list of the top 30+ Mexican foods
Similarities Between Tortilla & Pancake
At first look, these two recipes share certain traits in common, especially in the following aspects.
1. Type of food
Both these dishes are bread and are considered a type of starch. They play an integral part in the diet of local people, as starch provides eaters with the much-needed amount of carbs to keep the stomach full.
2. Ingredients
Tortillas and pancakes alike are made from a mixture of flour, water, milk, sugar, and salt. However, the amount of those ingredients involved is altered to fit the requirements of each dish.
For example, with the tortillas, flour would significantly outnumber other additives to create a dough. When it comes to pancakes, the resulting combination must be in liquid form.
3. Cooking methods
Tortillas and pancakes make use of a non-stick, cast-iron frying pan or an oiled griddle for the final products. In some cases, you can even toss both of them inside a microwave and let it do the job. Since both of them share almost identical ingredients, how they are cooked is very much the same.
2 Main Differences Between Tortilla Vs Pancake
Despite some central resemblances between the two types of pastries, they still differ in some significant areas.
1. Origin
Tortillas are native to Mesoamerica, a historical region located in North America – equivalent to modern-day central Mexico all the way through northern Costa Rica. As a result, they are accredited to the Mexicans and have played an irreplaceable part in the Mexican food repertoire ever since.
The history of pancakes is a bit more difficult to track down, as this bread dates back to prehistoric societies when humans created the first edible cereal food ever. There is no fixed country of origin, but rather different parts of the world where variations of pancakes are introduced and become popular.
For example, the French have their own pancake version called crepes, while the southeast Europeans pride themselves on the palacinke.
2. Usage
After being fried, tortillas are extremely versatile. They can be used to make tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. If you do not want to put in extra effort, just leave them in the bowl of soup or stew for the extra starchy binder.
Pancakes are also flexible to serve with, but in most cases, toppings will be placed directly on them for a quick meal. If sweet, then you have butter, honey, sugar icing, and sliced fruits. If savory, then jambon, ham, or fried eggs are the most popular options.
How Long Can Tortillas Last?
Tortillas made from whole meat mostly last for a week at room temperature and around a month if put in the fridge crisper. But if you use corn-based flour, it can be stored for up to eight weeks if frozen properly.
Can Old Tortillas Make You Sick?
If old tortillas just pass the “best-by date,” then you will be okay. The best-by date simply refers to the recommended time for eaters to consume the products.
But if your tortillas start getting moldy and smell funky, then by no means stop eating it. Not only do they taste horrible, but they also cause problems to your stomach and affect your health.
How Do You Store Cooked Pancakes?
First of all, make sure the pancakes are no longer hot or warm. They should be around room temperature.
Next up, use wax paper, wrap each pancake inside it, and place everything inside a container with a lid. This technique helps you keep them edible for around 3-5 days.
How Do You Serve Pancakes, Hot Or Cold?
Pancakes can be served both hot or cold, depending on your preferences and toppings. However, if you want to enjoy a traditional taste, eat them warm while they are still fluffy.
Is There A Healthy Pancake Syrup?
For people on a diet, eating pancakes with honey or sugar icing is not exactly the healthiest choice. In that case, go for a bottle of pure maple syrup or cinnamon butter. You can even try out melted peanut butter or other keto-friendly syrup recipes for a change once in a while.
Why does my pancake look like a tortilla?
It’s because you’re using the wrong recipe.
The difference between a pancake and a tortilla is that pancakes are made with baking powder or soda while tortillas are made with flour, salt, and oil.
If you want your pancakes to be fluffy and have a slightly crispy edge, use 1 tablespoon of baking powder for every cup of flour. If you want your tortillas to be soft and pliable, use only 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Oil is also important in the tortilla recipe. While you can use butter, margarine, or shortening, I recommend using vegetable oil. It gives the tortillas a nice flavor and makes them more pliable.
Can tortillas be used for crepes?
Yes, tortillas can be used for crepes, but they will not be as fluffy as pancakes. Crepes are made with eggs and flour, so they will be a little bit denser than pancakes.
However, if you are looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, tortillas can definitely be used to make crepes.
How many carbs are in a crepe?
There are about 10 grams of carbs in a crepe.
This may vary depending on the recipe that you use, but it is a good estimate. If you are looking for a low-carb breakfast option, tortillas may be a better choice than crepes.
However, both options are relatively low in carbs and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Can you make crepes in a tortilla maker?
Yes, you can make crepes in a tortilla maker.
This is a great option if you want to save time in the morning. All you need to do is put the batter in the tortilla maker and cook for a few minutes. You will have delicious and fluffy crepes in no time.
Why aren’t my pancakes fluffy?
There are a few reasons why your pancakes may not be fluffy. The first reason could be that you are using too much or too little baking powder.
If you are using too much baking powder, your pancakes will taste bitter and will be dense. If you are using too little baking powder, your pancakes will not rise and will be flat.
Is sitting pancake batter better?
Some people believe that it is better to let pancake batter sit for a while before cooking.
This is because the baking powder will have time to work its magic and will result in fluffy pancakes.
However, I have found that this is not always necessary. If you are in a hurry, you can definitely cook the pancakes right away and they will still be delicious.
What makes pancakes fluffy and rise?
The baking powder is what makes pancakes fluffy and rise. This ingredient is a leavening agent, which means that it causes the pancake batter to rise.
Baking powder is made up of baking soda, cornstarch, and cream of tartar. When it comes in contact with wet ingredients, it starts to react and creates bubbles of carbon dioxide. This is what makes the pancakes fluffy and rise.