In Guyana, pancakes are locally referred to as “dosay” or “chota.” The origin of pancakes to Guyana is not clear at this time. Based on the local names, it’s possible it might have been imported from East Indian tradition. If you have any information on which ethnic group first introduced pancakes to Guyana’s rich cuisine mix, please tell us in the comments.
There are many variations to pancakes depending on the ingredients you choose to include. In this article, I’m going to share a very basic and simple recipe for making pancakes, also called dosay or chota, in Guyana, South America.
This recipe has been tried and tested to make one small to medium sized pancake.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon of powered milk.
1 tablespoon sugar
1 egg
3 or 4 drops of essence
A few tablespoons of cooking oil of your choice or butter.
Less than 1/4 cup of water.
Instructions
Add the three tablespoons of flour to a cup or small bowl. Add the one tablespoon of milk and stir well. Add the one tablespoon of sugar and mix well. Burst the egg and beat it into the mixture. Add the 3 or 4 drops of essence. Now add water slowly to the mixture and beat well until it forms a semi liquid.
In Guyana, pancakes are usually made on something called a “tawa” which is also made to make roti. However, a frying pan can be used if you don’t have a tawa.
Put the tawa or frying pan on the stove to heat. With an “oil cloth,” coat the frying pan with oil or spread butter over it. Now pour the mixture into the center of the frying pan and allow it to spread out evenly across the whole pan. Wait for the mixture to solidify a bit and small holes start to appear all over it, then flip it over. Allow to cook for about minute, then remove and place it in a clean plate or bowl.
It is advisable to apply butter to the hot pancakes right off the stove as it improves the taste. Pancakes can be served with a wide variety of other foods such as meat, vegetables, greens, and peas.
Do you have a recipe to share with the Guyana, South America Publication? If so, please email us at contact@guyanasouthamerica.gy or message us via our Facebook Page.
