Mmm...I love a good pancake!
BUCKWheat pancakes with cinnamon, blueberries and pure maple syrup.
In my practice, I see many people benefiting from eating gluten-free. (We have already discussed what gluten is in my blog here.) Whether you are celiac or not, many conditions improve with a gluten-free diet, such as autoimmune conditions, digestive concerns and skin issues, not to mention mood.
However, going gluten-free can be quite daunting, especially if we are used to eating a certain way. We have our favourite foods that are hard to give up as well as certain go-to foods, which seem like a necessity on cabin weekends away, such as pancakes! Luckily, there are a variety of different flours that do not contain gluten. Grains such as these are better periodically, and not every day, every meal. I typically cook with coconut flour, almond flour or buckwheat flour (which I usually grind myself from raw buckwheat grouts or almonds). You can find all these flours at places such as bulk-barn for a good price.
This recipe is from the Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook. One of my go-to's! Buckwheat is slightly denser than white or whole wheat flour so expect that in the pancake. For that reason, it also tends to keep you fuller for longer. Buckwheat is actually a fruit seed, related to rhubard. The phytonutrients in buckwheat (flavonoids to be specific) have been shown to improve blood lipid levels. It can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL), and raise the good cholesterol (HDL). Yippee! Finally, it is a good source of fiber and magnesium, therefore good for both blood pressure and your bowels.
Ingredients:
- 1 heaping cup buckwheat flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups hemp, almond, soy, or rice milk
- 1 egg (*To replace egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flax seed with 3 tbsp hot water and let sit for a few minutes)
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
coconut oil or butter for cooking
Recipe:
- In a medium bowl mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients. Add the wet to the dry and gently mix until ingredients are combined. Let the batter sit for a few minutes to thicken up.
- Heat a thick-bottomed stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add a few tsp of coconut oil or butter. When skillet has heated, add about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of batter. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until top begins to bubble, flip and cook for a minute or so more on the other side. Repeat this process until all of the batter has been used. Add a little coconut oil or butter in between cooking each pancake to prevent sticking.
- Place pancakes onto a warm plate and serve.
Enjoy!
In health & happiness,
Dr. Karen