When people think of pancakes, the classic image in their minds may be a stack of thick, fluffy cakes served with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Pancakes are a versatile breakfast option that can be sweet or savory and can be topped with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats. The key to making pancakes that are both light and healthy lies in the ingredients used and how the batter is prepared.
The type of flour used also makes a difference. Swapping out refined flour with whole grain flour increases fiber and other nutrients, while reducing the amount of saturated fat. It’s important to mix the ingredients well, but resist the urge to overmix. Overmixing causes dense and rubbery pancakes. It’s also helpful to let the batter rest before cooking, which allows the baking powder time to activate and the gluten in the flour to relax.
To make pancakes that are both healthy and delicious, use a combination of whole grains, low-fat milk and eggs, and fresh fruit or vegetables. To increase protein and dietary fiber, try adding mashed bananas to the batter. To add flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds. This will also help balance the carbohydrate load of the pancakes.
Other healthy pancake options include savory crepes such as Ethiopian injera, Korean buchimgae, Venezuelan cachapas and South Indian dosa or Moroccan msemen. In these types of recipes, buckwheat flour replaces some of the regular flour, which cuts down on saturated fat and increases fiber.
It’s also possible to boost the nutritional content of pancakes by using ingredients that are rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, a recipe with spinach and peanut butter provides a dose of iron, while kiwi and banana provide vitamin C. Carbohydrates, which are a major component of pancakes, are an important source of energy for the body and brain. Consuming carbohydrates at a steady rate can lead to optimal brain function throughout the day.
These nourishing pancake recipes will give you the energy you need to get your day started. They’re easy to make at home, and the leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day or frozen for up to 3 months. They can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or oven. For an even easier breakfast, try a pre-made pancake mix made with a range of high-protein flours such as almond, coconut, cassava or tiger nut. This will cut down on prep time and allow you to choose a recipe that caters to your unique dietary needs or preferences. Pfannkuchen Rezept