Healthy Banana Pancakes

Recipe 1: Basic Healthy Banana Pancakes (3-4 pancakes)

This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and is naturally gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats):

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana (the riper, the sweeter)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (or oat flour, or all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds great flavor)
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut oil or cooking spray for the griddle

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the banana with a fork until it's mostly smooth with no big lumps.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the eggs, oats, cinnamon (if using), and salt to the mashed banana. Whisk everything together until well combined. The batter will be a bit thin, which is normal. If using rolled oats, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oats to soften slightly.
3. Heat the Griddle: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough that the pancakes cook through without burning.
4. Cook the Pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the heated griddle for each pancake.
5. Flip and Cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings (see suggestions below).

Recipe 2: Protein-Packed Banana Pancakes (3-4 pancakes)

This version adds a protein boost with protein powder or cottage cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
• 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey, casein, or vegan blend) OR 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffier pancakes)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana: Same as above.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the eggs, oats, protein powder (or cottage cheese), baking powder (if using), cinnamon (if using), and salt to the mashed banana.
   *If using cottage cheese: Blend all ingredients together will work best.
3. Mix Well: Whisk or blend with an immersion blender (if using cottage cheese) until everything is well combined. If using rolled oats, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oats to soften slightly.
4. Heat and Cook: Same as above (steps 3-6 in Recipe 1).

Recipe 3: Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes (3-4 pancakes)

This version uses whole wheat flour for added fibre.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup milk of choice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana: Same as above.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the egg, flour, milk, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt to the mashed banana.
3. Mix Well: Whisk until everything is just combined, don't overmix.
4. Heat and Cook: Same as above (steps 3-6 in Recipe 1).

Topping Ideas (Healthy and Delicious):

• Fresh Fruit: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, peaches, mangoes.
• Nut Butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter (choose natural, unsweetened varieties).
• Seeds and Nuts: Chia seeds, flax seeds, chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds.
• Greek Yogurt or Skyr: Plain, unsweetened for a protein boost.
• A Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: Use sparingly!
• A Dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For extra flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: A few for a treat!

Tips for Perfect Banana Pancakes:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Low to Medium Heat: This ensures the pancakes cook through without burning on the outside.
• Grease the Griddle: Lightly grease your griddle or pan to prevent sticking.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all flours are certified gluten-free.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious banana pancakes! Let me know if you have any other questions or want more variations.