Tiganites with Honey and Walnuts
GreekBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Tiganites are traditional fluffy pancakes that have been enjoyed across Greece for centuries, particularly popular during festive occasions and lazy weekend mornings. These golden discs are made with a simple batter of flour, milk, and a touch of sweetness, then pan-fried until beautifully puffed and golden. The magic happens when they are generously drizzled with aromatic Greek honey and sprinkled with toasted walnuts, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Unlike their thicker American cousins, Tiganites have a delicate, slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, airy interior. This recipe captures the essence of Greek home cooking - simple ingredients transformed into something truly special through time-honored technique and the finest quality honey you can find.

Instructions

step by step
0/8 done
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

  2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the milk, honey, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix - a few lumps are fine. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.

  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.

  5. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.

  6. Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with a kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

  7. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, shaking frequently.

  8. To serve, stack the warm Tiganites on plates, drizzle generously with honey, and scatter toasted walnuts over the top. Dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.

Tiganites with Honey and Walnuts

4.0 (16)

Fluffy traditional pancakes drizzled with golden honey and topped with crunchy walnuts, a beloved morning delicacy from the islands of Greece that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

easy
30 min
4 servings

Ingredients

0 of 9 checked

Batter

  • 2 cups flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups milk, room temperature
  • 2 pieces eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons olive-oil, for frying

Topping

  • 1/2 cups honey, for topping

Chef Tips

expert advice
The key to perfect Tiganites is not overmixing the batter - this keeps them light and fluffy.
Greek honey varies in flavor depending on the flowers; thyme honey is traditional and highly prized.
You can substitute with regular honey, but seek out raw, unfiltered varieties for best flavor.
For a richer version, add a splash of Greek brandy to the batter.
These pancakes are also delicious topped with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
If making for a crowd, keep finished pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.
The batter can be made the night before and refrigerated, though you may need to thin it slightly with milk before cooking.
For variation, add orange zest to the batter or replace some milk with fresh orange juice.