Are you craving a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack but short on time and ingredients? Look no further! This recipe uses just one banana (plus a few pantry staples) to whip up a batch of fluffy, flavourful banana oat pancakes. It’s a perfect example of how simple, homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is ideal for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas – it’s incredibly versatile!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind – dairy, almond, soy, etc.)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, honey, maple syrup, nuts, chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Mash the banana: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe banana with a fork until it's completely smooth. The riper the banana, the sweeter your pancakes will be!
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the milk and egg (or flax egg) to the mashed banana and whisk until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
- Flip and finish: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to appear on the surface and the edges look set.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious banana oat pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Banana ripeness: Use a very ripe banana for the best flavor and sweetness. The riper, the better!
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter will make your pancakes tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Pancake thickness: Adjust the amount of batter you pour onto the griddle to control the thickness of your pancakes.
- Heat control: Medium heat is key. Too high, and they’ll burn; too low, and they’ll be soggy.
Delicious Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes: Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
- Blueberry Banana Pancakes: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Nutty Banana Pancakes: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds).
- Spiced Banana Pancakes: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra warm flavor.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 (depending on toppings and milk type)
- Protein: Approximately 3-5g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4g
This simple recipe proves that delicious dishes can also be incredibly easy to make. It's a fantastic option for a healthy breakfast, a quick snack, or even a light dinner. So, grab that single banana and get cooking! You'll be surprised by how much flavor and satisfaction you can get from such a simple ingredient. This recipe offers a wonderful opportunity for homemade cooking at its finest, perfect for those seeking the best recipes for easy, healthy meals.