Fluffy Einkorn Pancakes

In Germany, we used to make “Pfannkuchen”, which is basically a “crepe”. Exactly translated it means pancake. That might be the reason why my kids always ask me: “Are you making the big or small ones?” Even when I always call the “big ones” Pfannkuchen and the “small ones” pancakes.

Yes, sometimes there is a lot of linguistic confusion in a bi-lingual household. As German-born and raised parents, we try hard to keep the German language alive by reminding our children 24/7, from awakening to the goodnight kiss, to keep speaking German at home. It’s tough but worth it!

Now a word on Einkorn flour…

Compared to modern wheat Einkorn is an ancient grain which is not altered as regular wheat. It is richer in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B6, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and has less gluten. Thus it might even be tolerated by some people who usually react to gluten. It is overall a healthier choice of grain flour.

And yes, organic is important. Especially with wheat products. Farmers do make use of glyphosate as a desiccant to dry down mature crops close to harvest. Current tests show the residue of glyphosate in our food and other products.

Because Einkorn contains less starch than regular wheat, baked goods can turn out a bit denser. Adding an extra egg or egg white to a batter will help to get a lighter or fluffier end product. These pancakes are so fluffy because of the beaten egg whites. It doesn’t take long to whip up some egg whites and it makes such a difference in fluffiness.

Almond flour is incredibly nutritious.

It’s particularly rich in vitamin E and magnesium, two important nutrients for health. Refined flour is stripped of its fiber, nutrients, and fats. Therefore the carbohydrates in flour are too fast converted into simple sugar molecules and enter our bloodstream to quickly. The result, spikes in blood glucose levels, followed by rapid drops, which can leave you tired, hungry and craving foods high in sugar and calories.

Conversely, almond flour is low in carbs yet high in healthy fats and fiber.

These properties give it a low glycemic index, meaning it releases sugar slowly into your blood to provide a sustained source of energy.

Besides all these health benefits, it also adds flavor and moisture to pancakes, muffins, or cakes.

Eggs provide protein, valuable vitamins (A, D, E, and K), omega-3 fats, antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), choline, folate, and vitamin B12.

Optional: Collagen powder dissolves and is tasteless. I incorporate collagen powder in many of my recipes because my children tend to prefer foods higher on the carbohydrate side. The collagen powder can be used as a protein powder. It contains many amino acids, which are imperative for sustaining a healthy body. They are necessary for hormone production, building and maintaining muscles, nervous system function, the health of vital organs and cell structure. They act gut-healing, promote healthy joints and bones. Studies have even shown that glycine, one of the amino acids, improves sleep, decreases anxiety and calms the mind.

Fluffy Einkorn Pancakes

Serves: 16

Cooking Time: 10 minutes preparation

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp Swerve or sweetener of your choice
• 100g Einkorn flour
• 2 tbsp almond meal
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• one pinch of salt
• milk of your choice, add until you get a pasty or thick porridge consistency
• 1 level tbsp hydrolyzed collagen powder, optional

Instructions

1

Beat the egg whites until stiff and set aside.

2

In another bowl mix the 2 whole eggs with the sweetener.

3

Add the Einkorn flour, almond meal, baking powder, and salt.

4

It is optional to add hydrolyzed collagen powder to the dry ingredients.

5

Pour in the milk little by little until you get a thick pasty consistency.

6

Add the stiff egg whites to the pancake batter and fold carefully together.

7

Heat a pan to medium heat, add butter or coconut oil and start baking the pancakes.

8

Beat up some heavy cream and add toppings of your choice e.g. berries, cinnamon, nuts, apple sauce, etc.

Notes

You can have pancakes on busy schoolday mornings! Simply freeze and pop into the toaster for a quick pancake breakfast. (use parchment paper in between to avoid pancakes from sticking together.