Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsArempasCatira Recipe

Catira Recipe

Inspired by Arempas
Time35m
Serves4

Make Catira Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Batter

Method

Batter

  1. 1

    Prepare dry ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and aerated.

  2. 2

    Combine wet ingredients

    In a separate bowl, lightly beat the 2 eggs. Add the milk, melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn't cook the eggs), and vanilla extract; whisk until homogeneous.

  3. 3

    Make batter

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or whisk just until combined. Do not overmix—small lumps are fine. Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes to hydrate the flour and thicken slightly.

Filling / Topping

  1. 4

    Prepare cheese filling

    In a small bowl combine the crumbled queso fresco (or farmer's cheese), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lime zest if using. Stir until evenly mixed. The texture should be slightly sweetened crumbles—set aside.

  2. 5

    Cook Catira pancakes

    Heat a 10–12 inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat. Using a 1/4-cup measure, pour batter into the skillet to form pancakes about 3–4 inches across. Cook until the surface begins to bubble and edges look set (about 2–3 minutes), then flip and cook the other side 1–2 minutes until golden. Repeat, adding more butter (about 1 tbsp) as needed. For each finished pancake, immediately press about 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the warm top surface so it adheres and warms slightly. Alternatively, fold the pancake over the filling like a turnover and press gently to enclose the cheese.

  3. 6

    Serve

    Stack or arrange pancakes on a serving plate. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey or sweetened condensed milk if desired. Serve warm.

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