Sunday, August 11, 2019

Grain-free gingerbread pancakes


I made these according to the original recipe, in a waffle iron, and they failed miserably. They were WAY too runny and soft and just made a mess.  I thought it was because the plantains were too ripe, but the next time I made them the greener plantains wouldn't break up into a smooth consistency.  I resolved the problem by using moderately ripe plantains and adding coconut flour and flax seed meal, which absorb some of that moisture.  I haven't tried adding protein powder yet, but think it will improve the nutritional value and can probably replace the coconut flour.

The full recipe makes about 16-18 pancakes (which is two good servings), but it completely filled my food processor and it was hard to get the mixture well blended.

2 large plantains (green/yellow) about 14oz
4 eggs
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 tablespoon flax seed meal
protein powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt  
3 tablespoons coconut oil, liquid
2 tablespoons molasses

Heat griddle on a low flame.  Place peeled plantains, cut into chunks, into a food processor and process as smooth as possible.  Add eggs one at a time alternately with dry ingredients and process between additions.  Blend until smooth and the eggs have fluffed up.   Just before cooking, add coconut oil and molasses and mix thoroughly.  (Stir up from the bottom to make sure it's all mixed evenly.)  Grease hot griddle, then add about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.  Allow to cook until bubbles have formed.  Turn as soon as the pancakes are firm enough.  (It's easier to lay them down slowly than to flip them quickly.)  Cook about 2 minutes, then remove to a warm plate (or cooling rack if storing.)

These are great with butter and a little syrup, and you can eat a lot of them because they're not heavy.  I also like spreading them with almond butter and sandwiching with walnuts and maybe dates for a take along breakfast.

Conclusion:  These are a great low-carb breakfast, and high protein if made with protein powder.  I've made them several times.

Original recipe:  Flourless grain-free gingerbread waffles via PurelyTwins