These pancakes are prepared using a centuries-old method called “soaking.” It’s a method our ancestors all over the world regularly used in order to make their grains easier to digest. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced society, we have forgotten this important practice.
Why Should I Soak My Oats?
Oats, and other grains, contain a substance called “phytic acid”. Phytic acid can bind to minerals (such as iron, zinc, manganese and calcium) and slow their absorption.
Soaking the oats in an acidic medium (such as yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar) makes them easier to digest. It also enables the nutrients in the grain to be better absorbed by your body. It really doesn’t take any extra time to soak your oats, but just requires a little planning ahead.
I have used both rolled oats and quick-cooking oats for this recipe, and both work well.
For more recipes using the process of soaking, try these:
Note: Oats are low in the enzyme phytase, needed to neutralize the phytic acid. So you can add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat flour to your oats when soaking to help reduce the phytic acid.
Banana Oat Pancakes (Gluten-free)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup oats rolled oats or quick-cooking oats
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- The night before (or 12 hours before) you want to make these pancakes, put the oats in a small bowl and add the water and yogurt. Mix well and add a little more water as needed, just enough to make the oats moist. The mixture will be very thick. We don't want to add too much water here, or the pancake batter will be too thin.
- Updated Note: Oats are low in the enzyme phytase, needed to neutralize the phytic acid. So you can add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat flour to your oats when soaking to help reduce the phytic acid.
- Cover the oats and leave on the counter (NOT in the fridge) for about 12 hours.
- In the morning, put the oats in a blender or food processor and add all remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto a hot oiled skillet. When you see small bubbles forming on the tops of the pancakes, flip them over and continue cooking on the other side until light brown.
- Serve warm with pure maple syrup, raw honey, nuts, fruit, and/or butter.
How does the phytic acid get reduced if we are not rinsing it after soaking it?
Soaking actually neutralizes the phytic acid, so rinsing is not necessary.