Banana Pancake

Guinea Banana Pancake Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Guinea | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Banana pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, offering a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy texture of traditional pancakes. This recipe transforms ripe bananas into a delicious morning treat, making it a fantastic way to use up overripe fruit while delighting your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a special weekend breakfast or a way to brighten up your weekday mornings, banana pancakes are sure to impress.

History

The concept of pancakes dates back thousands of years, with variations found in nearly every culture around the world. The addition of bananas to pancakes, however, is a relatively modern innovation. It likely originated in the United States or Europe as a way to add natural sweetness and moisture to the batter. Over time, banana pancakes have become a beloved breakfast item, celebrated for their comforting flavor and easy preparation.

Ingredients

2 cups of self raising flour
0.25 tsp of baking powder
1 cup of milk
2 tbsp of honey
45 g of melted butter
2 - 3 very ripe mashed bananas

How to prepare

Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl.
Create a well in the middle.
Combine the remaining ingredients, add the flour, and beat until there are no lumps.
Heat a frypan with a little extra butter or oil.
When the pan is hot, spoon in the desired amount of the mixture.
When bubbles start to appear in the batter, flip it over and cook the other side.

Serving suggestions

Top with sliced bananas or other fresh fruit.
Drizzle with honey.
Drizzle with lemon or lime juice, and sprinkle with sugar.

Variations

For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat flour for the self-raising flour, or add a scoop of protein powder to the batter. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk in place of cow's milk and coconut oil instead of butter.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your banana pancakes come out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and texture.

- Gently fold the mashed bananas into the batter to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.

- Cook the pancakes on medium heat to allow them to cook through without burning.

- If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

In addition to the suggested toppings of sliced bananas, honey, and a sprinkle of sugar with lemon or lime juice, consider serving these pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of nut butter for extra protein. A side of crispy bacon or sausage can also complement the sweetness of the pancakes for a more indulgent meal.

Cooking Techniques

For light and fluffy pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter. Small lumps are okay and will cook out. Also, letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking can result in a better texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make substitutions, almond milk or oat milk can replace cow's milk, and gluten-free flour can be used in place of self-raising flour for a gluten-free version. Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener instead of honey.

Make Ahead Tips

Pancake batter can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered. In the morning, give the batter a gentle stir before cooking. Cooked pancakes can also be frozen and reheated for a quick breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve your banana pancakes stacked high, with a generous drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and add a few slices of fresh banana or a handful of nuts for texture and extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana pancakes pair wonderfully with fresh fruit juices or smoothies for a refreshing breakfast. For a more indulgent meal, serve with a side of bacon or sausage and a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warm throughout.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of banana pancakes, consisting of two medium-sized pancakes, typically contains between 300 and 400 calories. This can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of banana pancakes primarily provides carbohydrates, with the flour and bananas contributing the most. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, making these pancakes a great way to start your day. A typical serving may contain approximately 45-60 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the melted butter and milk. Using whole milk and butter adds a modest amount of fat, which contributes to the pancakes' rich flavor and tender texture. A serving of banana pancakes might contain around 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Milk and flour provide the primary sources of protein in banana pancakes, making them a more filling breakfast option. Each serving could offer about 8-10 grams of protein, helping to keep you satisfied throughout the morning.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the pancakes, making them a healthier choice. Additionally, using fortified flour and milk can increase the intake of vitamins D and B, as well as calcium and iron.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the milk and butter). Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Banana pancakes offer a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They can be a nutritious and satisfying breakfast option when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Banana pancakes are a delightful and versatile breakfast option that can be customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences. With their sweet flavor, nutritious ingredients, and easy preparation, they're sure to become a favorite in any household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, with the sun shining brightly through the windows of my childhood home. I was in the kitchen, helping my mother prepare breakfast for our family. As I sifted through the old recipe box that had been passed down through generations, I stumbled upon a yellowed, tattered piece of paper with the words "Banana Pancakes" scrawled across the top.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. Bananas, flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon - it sounded like a delicious combination. I had always loved bananas, and the thought of incorporating them into pancakes was a revelation. I knew I had to try this recipe and see how it turned out.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together, I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. The scent of ripe bananas filled the air, mixing with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. I poured the batter onto the hot griddle and watched as it bubbled and sizzled, forming golden brown pancakes that were just waiting to be flipped.

When I finally plated the pancakes and took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The bananas added a natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the pancakes, while the cinnamon provided a warm, comforting flavor that lingered on my tongue. I couldn't believe how delicious they were, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

I shared the banana pancakes with my family, and they were met with rave reviews. My mother declared them to be the best pancakes she had ever tasted, and my siblings begged me to make them again the next morning. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I had discovered such a wonderful recipe, and I made a mental note to thank whoever had originally shared it with us.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the banana pancake recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add a handful of chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey to the batter, just to see how it would turn out. Other times, I would experiment with different types of flour or milk, hoping to find the perfect combination that would yield the fluffiest, most flavorful pancakes.

I found that making banana pancakes became a meditative practice for me, a way to relax and unwind after a long day. There was something therapeutic about mashing the ripe bananas, whisking together the ingredients, and watching as the pancakes cooked to perfection on the griddle. It was a simple pleasure that brought me immense joy, and I cherished every moment spent in the kitchen creating something delicious for my loved ones to enjoy.

As the years passed, I shared the banana pancake recipe with friends and neighbors, who were equally impressed by its simplicity and flavor. I passed it down to my own children, who now make it for their own families, creating new memories and traditions that will hopefully be carried on for generations to come. And every time I make a batch of banana pancakes, I can't help but think back to that warm summer day when I first discovered this recipe, and how it has brought so much happiness and satisfaction into my life.

So here I am, many years later, still making banana pancakes on lazy weekend mornings, still savoring every fluffy, delicious bite, and still feeling grateful for the serendipitous moment when I stumbled upon that faded piece of paper in my old recipe box. It just goes to show that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that find us when we least expect it, bringing a little bit of magic and joy into our lives with every mouthful.