"How to M ake Samoan Panikeke" by Jaeden A.

 

Ever since I was young, most people I encounter assume I am primarily white based off my looks and skin color. Now, this may be true, but it surprises most people when they find out I am half Samoan, with my Dad being Samoan and my Mom being White. However, to some, it makes sense off of my 6’4 stature, broad shoulders and hips, and the fact I started growing facial hair in 8th grade. One thing about being Polynesian and being a part of a culture that is primarily based on being family oriented and having the love and care for nature and others is that there is always one thing that everyone loves no matter your beliefs, political views, and ethnicities: food! Growing up in a Samoan household allows me to embrace the polynesian culture and foods that provide a way for families to come together as one and share one big meal at gatherings, parties, and special events. Food is a way to bring anyone and everyone together to talk, sing, dance, and just enjoy each other as family, friends, and strangers. Furthermore, I could go on and on about countless Samoan dishes and meals, but I am going to provide my favorite one because you can eat it at any time of the day and give off that warm, family, comfort food that has the ability to bring others together! Today, I am going to teach you guys how to make Samoan Panikeke, or also known as, Samoan Pancakes. Samoan Pancakes are basically large pancake balls that act as finger food for when my family gets together. You can add peanut butter, chocolate, whip cream, bananas, pumpkin spice, syrup, and anything else you desire. They are sweet, soft, and crunchy on the outside with a pillow-like consistency in the middle. Hopefully, you all can try to make some for yourself some day to experience part of the Samoan culture with others. Hope you enjoy!

 

Tools You Will Need:

-Measuring Cups

-Tablespoon

-Teaspoon

-Medium Size Pot

-Mixing Spoon

-Paper Towels

-Mixing Bowl 

-A Sifter 

-A large Spoon (depending on how big you want your final product)

 

Ingredients:

-4 cups of All Purpose Flour

-2 cups of sugar

-2 tablespoon of baking soda

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-6 cups of vegetable oil (truly depends on how many you make, so cut in half if you want less)

-4 cups of water

 

Optional Ingredients:

-2 diced bananas

-2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice

-1 cup of chocolate chips

(These ingredients are some of the various ways you can make different types of Samoan Pancakes)

 

Step by Step Directions:

1.    Pour out 4 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a mixing bowl.

2.    Mix the dry ingredients together.

 

3.    After mixing, sift the dry ingredients into a separate bowl.

 

4.    With your dry ingredients now sifted, slowly pour 4 cups of water over the dry ingredients while mixing with a spoon until you get a thick, batter-like consistency.

 

5.    Once you have your batter, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

 

6.    (Optional) Mix in any other ingredients such as bananas, chocolate chips, pumpkin spice etc.

 

7.    Pour 6 cups of vegetable oil into a medium pot.

 

8.    Heat the vegetable oil until it reaches a temperature of 350°​​on medium heat.

 

9.    When your oil is ready, take a spoon and remove a little bit of oil and add it to your batter to prevent stickiness.

10.  Depending on how big you want your Samoan Pancakes to be, get a spoon full of batter and drop it into the heated oil.

 

11.  The batter should form into a ball, large or small, depending on how much batter you put in.

12.  Cook the Samoan Pancakes until golden brown.

13.  Take out the Samoan Pancakes, one by one, and lay on top of paper towel sheets to release any access oil.

14.  Let your Samoan Pancakes sit out for 5-10 minutes until eating.

 

15.  Finally, add any toppings you desire and enjoy!

 

 

My recipe, not my image! Credit: http://recipeofhealth.com/recipe/search/samoan-panikeke-recipe

 

Here is what your final product should look like! A nice golden-brown exterior with a crunchy texture. Then, the inside should be fluffy, airy, and have a lighter color. The taste should resemble a delicious, sweet flavor that tastes like a dessert, breakfast, or lunch depending on the time of day. As you can see, the recipe is pretty simple and easy to make at and can feed a lot of people for everyone to enjoy! Samoan Pancakes is a great meal to try for a hint of what Samoan cu