Valentine’s month is the perfect time to celebrate all things pink, and what better way than with a plate of delicious pink beet pancakes? These vibrant and healthy pancakes are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore different recipes, methods of cooking beets, suggested toppings, and adaptations to suit various dietary preferences. Get ready to impress your loved ones with these colorful and nutritious pancakes!
Health Benefits of Beets
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible health benefits of beets. Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They are a great source of protein, fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Incorporating beets into your diet can support cell growth, heart health, and provide a natural boost of energy[^1].
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cooked and peeled beets
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, plus more for cooking
The Recipe: Pink Beet Pancakes
Step 1
Start by blending the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt in a high-speed blender until they turn into a fine powder.
Step 2
Transfer the oat flour mixture to a bowl and set it aside.
Step 3
In the same blender, combine the cooked and peeled beets, eggs, oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, applesauce, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 4
Add the oat flour mixture to the blender and blend again, making sure to scrape the sides to ensure everything is well mixed. The batter will be thick.
Step 5
Heat a pan or griddle over medium-low heat and coat it lightly with cooking oil or butter.
Step 6
Spoon or pour the batter onto the griddle to create small pancakes. Cook until you see small bubbles forming on the top and the edges appear dry, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7
Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Step 8
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and continue cooking the remaining batter.
Step 9
Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of toppings, such as plain yogurt sweetened with maple syrup, homemade whipped cream, or natural nut butter.
Step 10
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious pink beet pancakes!
Tips for Perfect Beet Pancakes
- Cook and peel your beet first: Cooking the beets brings out their natural sweetness and helps enhance the flavor of the pancakes. Be sure to peel them before using.
- Use certified gluten-free oats: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use oats that are certified gluten-free to avoid any potential cross-contamination.
- Experiment with toppings: While these pink beet pancakes are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavor by adding your favorite toppings. Consider options like plain yogurt sweetened with maple syrup, homemade whipped cream, or natural nut butter.
- Make them ahead and freeze: These pancakes freeze beautifully, making them a convenient option for meal prep. Simply cook a batch, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be reheated in a toaster or microwave for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
Different Methods for Cooking Beets
Cooking beets is an essential step in making these pink pancakes. While roasted beets are recommended for their vibrant color, you can choose from various cooking methods based on your preference and time constraints. Here are a few popular methods:
- Roasting: Roasting beets is the suggested method, as it helps retain their color the best. To roast beets, simply wash them, wrap them in foil, and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 45-60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Boiling: Boiling beets is another option. Start by peeling and chopping the beets into small pieces. Place them in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until tender.
- Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, you can use an Instant Pot to cook beets quickly. Simply place the whole beets in the Instant Pot with a cup of water, close the lid, and set it to high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. Once done, release the pressure and let the beets cool before peeling.
- Steaming: Steaming beets is another simple method. Peel and chop the beets into pieces, place them in a steamer basket, and steam for about 15-20 minutes or until tender.
Experiment with these different cooking methods to find the one that suits your taste preferences and cooking style.
Suggested Adaptations for Beet Pancakes
While the pink color of these beet pancakes is visually appealing, some individuals may not enjoy the earthy taste of beets. Here are a few suggested adaptations to cater to different preferences:
- Not a beet fan?: If you or your loved ones are not fond of beets, you can substitute 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, sweet potato puree, or butternut squash puree for the beets. This will still provide a vibrant color while offering a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-free option: For those following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the plain yogurt in the recipe with your favorite non-dairy yogurt. This ensures that everyone can enjoy these delicious pancakes.
- Freeze for convenience: Save time in the morning by batch cooking these pancakes ahead of time and storing them in the freezer. This way, you can simply reheat them for a quick and nutritious breakfast on busy mornings.
Other Beautiful Beet Recipes to Try
If you’re loving the vibrant color and health benefits of beets, here are a few other beet recipes you might enjoy:
- Pink Beet Smoothie: Start your day with a nutritious and refreshing pink beet smoothie. Blend together cooked beets, frozen berries, spinach, yogurt, and your choice of liquid for a vibrant and delicious smoothie.
- Fudgy Beet Gluten-Free Brownies: Indulge your sweet tooth with these fudgy beet brownies. These gluten-free and vegan brownies are made with pureed beets, cocoa powder, almond flour, and sweetened with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
