Healthy Buckwheat Protein Pancakes

These buckwheat pancakes with whey powder are protein-dense and packed with fiber, and will keep you happy and full for longer hours. Be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner – pancake away guilt-free.

Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth, delicious – all these qualities make pancakes a hot favorite the world over, but ever heard the word ‘healthy’ associated with them? Pancakes can be healthy too, if you use the right flour and sweetening agents.

Buckwheat – a naturally gluten-free wholegrain – has been used since ancient times in India, and for good reason too, as its nutritional value is relatively higher than most other grains. In fact, it isn’t even a grain, but more like a seed or a pseudo-grain. Buckwheat is a rich source of dietary fiber, making it an ideal complex-carb source with a low glycemic index. What is more, buckwheat is a good source of plant protein, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.

While these flours have more protein and fiber content, you can add some whey/ soy/ casein protein supplement for additional protein, making these pancakes ideal for a post-workout meal. I used stevia extract for natural sweetening that adds negligible calories.

The key to making these pancakes airy and fluffy is in addition of baking soda and eggs. If you are a vegan, omit eggs and it works just as fine (I’ve tried it for my vegetarian family members). Also, choose from a plethora of accompaniment to make it all the more exciting – I paired mine tahini sauce and some salted peanut butter, and it was a match made in heaven!

RECIPE: HEALTHY BUCKWHEAT PROTEIN PANCAKES

Serves 3

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups buckwheat flour
• 1-2 eggs (omit for vegan version; works fine)
• 1-2 scoop Whey Protein Powder (I use My Protein’s Chocolate flavored one)
• 1 tsp Stevia leaf extract (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
• 3-4 drops vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk (use soy milk or nut milk for vegan version)
• Water, for desired consistency
• Salt, to taste
• 1-2 tbsp oil/ butter
• Honey/ maple syrup to drizzle in the end

METHOD

In a bowl, crack the eggs, add ½ cup milk and whisk together. Add buckwheat flour and whey powder slowly while whisking continuously. Add vanilla extract, salt, stevia, cinnamon powder, baking powder and whisk well.

Add more milk or water to adjust the consistency. The batter should be smooth, thick and lump-free, but you should be able to pour it into the pan.