Gourmet Meal

Alice Brown

Experienced and passionate pastry chef with a flair for creative desserts. Adept at crafting delicious treats, utilizing quality ingredients, and maintaining high standards of excellence in culinary artistry.

Grain-Free Plantain Pancakes

Name: Grain-free Plantain Pancakes
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 1 green plantain; 2 large eggs; 1 Tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 pinch sea salt; as needed Coconut oil; as needed dairy-free butter

Grain-Free Plantain Pancakes are a healthy and delightful treat made from plantains, a tropical fruit similar to bananas that are common in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. These pancakes, often consumed as a breakfast dish, have a distinctly sweeter taste due to the use of green plantains. In addition to this, they are gluten-free and dairy-free making them a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions.

The pancakes are remarkable for their ability to create a fluffy texture without the use of flour, a feat achieved by the use of eggs and green plantains. Furthermore, this yields a nutritious meal, high in protein from the eggs and fiber from the plantains. A splash of maple syrup or honey adds a touch of sweetness, while a hint of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon give the pancakes a rich and appealing flavor.

The pancakes can be enhanced with add-ins such as fresh or frozen blueberries and chocolate chips, and topped with a berry compote, sliced banana, or dairy-free Nutella for extra indulgence. This recipe is a perfect choice for a relaxing weekend breakfast or a festive brunch with friends and family.

Calories
87
Time
15
Portions
4
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Green Plantain 1
Large Eggs 2
Maple Syrup 1 Tbsp
Vanilla Extract 1 tsp
Ground Cinnamon 1/2 tsp
Baking Powder 1/2 tsp
Sea Salt 1 pinch
Coconut Oil as needed
Dairy-free Butter as needed

Preparation

Prepping the Plantain

Trim the ends off the plantain and discard. Peel the plantain and cut it into approximately 1 ½ inch slices.

Blending

Add the sliced plantain, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth with no chunks of plantain remaining, this should take about 30-45 seconds.

Cooking the Pancakes

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add dairy-free butter or coconut oil, reduce the heat if it's smoking.
Pour 1/4 cup measurements of the batter into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the pancakes are golden on both sides. Add more coconut oil or dairy-free butter to the skillet if it looks dry.
Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of toppings.

Suggestions

Choice of Plantain

For this recipe, it is recommended to use green plantains. Green plantains are firm when pressed and will produce a fluffier pancake. Although ripe plantains can be used, they yield a thinner, denser, and less fluffy pancake. They are also sweeter, so you may want to use less maple syrup.

Egg Importance

Eggs are essential in this recipe as they provide structure and fluffiness to the pancakes. For those looking for a vegan option, you may explore other vegan pancake recipes such as Vegan Banana Oat Pancakes.

Serving and Storing

These pancakes are best served warm with your choice of toppings. You can try berry compote, sliced bananas, homemade Nutella, or nut butter, or even a drizzle more of maple syrup.

Moreover, if you have leftovers, they can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 1 month. Simply reheat them in a microwave, oven, or toaster oven until warm.

Frequent Questions

Can I use banana instead of plantain?

While bananas and plantains are similar, they do have a few key differences that can affect the outcome of these pancakes. Plantains are more starchy and less sweet than bananas, which helps to create a fluffy and substantial pancake.

While bananas can be used in a pinch, be aware that the batter may be runnier, resulting in thinner, less fluffy pancakes. Additionally, the flavor will be noticeably sweeter.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests certain toppings like berry compote or sliced bananas, feel free to explore other options based on your preferences. Whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or sprinkling of granola could all be delicious alternatives.

I don't have a blender. Can I still make this recipe?

Certainly, if you don't own a blender, you can mash the plantain with a fork or potato masher until smooth, then whisk in the remaining ingredients until well combined. However, a blender does create a smoother consistency.

Could I add protein powder to this recipe?

Adding protein powder to these pancakes can be a great way to increase their nutritional value. However, it's worth noting that this could alter the taste and texture.

Start with a little bit first, adding more to taste. Be sure to also add additional liquid as needed to compensate for the added dry ingredient.

How can I make these pancakes fluffier?

If you're seeking extra fluffy pancakes, make sure you're using green plantains as they produce a fluffier texture.

Another trick is to allow the batter to rest after blending. This allows the starches to fully hydrate and the bubbles from blending to dissipate, leading to a better texture. Also, avoid pressing down on the pancakes while they cook, as this can deflate their natural fluffiness.