Step 1

Prepare Pancakes: Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, egg yolks, and zest in a medium bowl. Stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture. Gently stir in ricotta cheese.

Step 2

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into batter.

Step 3

Heat a nonstick griddle or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium. When hot (350°F), coat lightly with butter. Drop batter by 1/2-cupfuls onto griddle, and cook until pancakes are browned on the bottom and edges begin to look dry, about 4 minutes. Turn with a wide spatula, and cook until set in the middle, about 4 more minutes. Wipe griddle clean; coat with more butter, and repeat with remaining batter. Keep warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes.

Step 4

Prepare Brown Butter-Maple Syrup: Heat 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, about 10 minutes. (The butter will foam; when the foam subsides, little brown flakes will appear.) Remove from heat, and whisk in maple syrup. Serve with pancakes and Blueberry Compote.