Healthy Chocolate Chai Banana Pancakes
Looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast (lunch or dessert!) option that's easy to make and packed with flavor? Try our recipe for healthy pancakes made with bananas, oats, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and infused with masala chai tea. Not only are these pancakes gluten-free and dairy-free, but they're also loaded with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. The combination of sweet banana and chocolate chips with warm and spicy masala chai tea makes for a perfect breakfast or brunch option. Read on for the step-by-step instructions on how to make these mouth-watering pancakes.
Making healthy pancakes with the wonderful flavours of chai couldn’t be easier with this straightford no fuss recipe! Simply throw everything in a blender and combine into a wonderfully thick pancake mix, heat and serve.
These pancakes are jammed with healthy ingredients including bananas, oats, chia seeds, almond milk and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Full of goodness, gluten free, dairy free, free from processed sugar AND they taste fabulous too!
Here’s how to make my healthy chocolate chai banana pancakes in a blender…
Healthy Chocolate Chai Banana Pancakes
Made with banana, oats, chia seeds and flavored with the warming spices of chai tea.
From blender to plate in under 20 minutes!
Masala Chai
Masala chai, also known as spiced tea, is a traditional Indian beverage that has gained worldwide popularity. The origins of masala chai can be traced back to India, where it was initially consumed for its medicinal properties. The recipe for masala chai varies from region to region, but it typically includes a blend of black tea, spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, and milk or non-dairy alternatives. Masala chai has a rich and robust flavor that is both sweet and spicy. In addition to its delicious taste, masala chai offers several health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and increased energy. Masala chai can also be used in a variety of recipes, such as baked goods, smoothies, and ice cream. Its unique blend of spices and flavors makes it a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to any dish including in these wonderful oaty pancakes!
What are the Health Benefits of Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense food that offer several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of chia seeds:
Rich in nutrients: Chia seeds are an excellent source of several nutrients, including fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Promotes heart health: Chia seeds are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Helps with digestion: The high fiber content in chia seeds can help promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation.
May aid weight loss: Chia seeds can help with weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness, reducing appetite, and slowing down the absorption of food.
May improve blood sugar control: Chia seeds may help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly due to their high fiber content.
May reduce inflammation: Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
It's worth noting that more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits of chia seeds. Additionally, chia seeds are relatively high in calories, so it's important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What are the Health Benefits of Oatmeal?
Oatmeal, also known as oats, is a nutritious whole-grain food that offers several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of oatmeal:
Rich in nutrients: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Promotes heart health: The beta-glucan fiber in oatmeal can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Helps with weight management: Oatmeal can help with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.
May improve digestion: The fiber in oatmeal can help promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation.
May lower the risk of type 2 diabetes: The high fiber content in oatmeal can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
May reduce inflammation: Oatmeal contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
May improve skin health: The nutrients in oatmeal can help improve skin health by reducing inflammation and itching.
It's worth noting that oatmeal is a whole-grain food, which means it contains more fiber and nutrients than processed grains like white bread or pasta. Additionally, plain oatmeal is a low-sugar food, so it's important to avoid adding large amounts of sugar or high-calorie toppings.
American pancakes vs English Pancakes vs Crepes
American pancakes, English pancakes, and crepes are all types of pancakes, but they have distinct differences in terms of their ingredients, texture, and serving style. Here are the main differences:
American Pancakes: American pancakes are thick and fluffy, made with flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and sugar. They are often served with butter and maple syrup or fruit and whipped cream. They are typically smaller than English pancakes and have a spongy texture.
English Pancakes: English pancakes are thinner and more delicate than American pancakes, made with flour, eggs, and milk. They are usually served with lemon and sugar or jam. They are often larger than American pancakes and have a texture that is similar to a French crepe.
Crepes: Crepes are thin and light, made with flour, eggs, milk, and butter. They are typically served with sweet or savory fillings such as Nutella, fruit, cheese, or ham and cheese. They have a delicate texture and are often rolled or folded.
In summary, American pancakes are thick and fluffy, English pancakes are thinner and delicate, and crepes are thin and light. Each type of pancake has its own unique flavor and texture, and can be served with a variety of sweet or savory toppings.
Tips for Making These Thick Fluffy Oaty Pancakes
Tea: Use either 4 masala chai tea bags or 4 teaspoons of loose leaf tea. You can also skip the tea and use milk with a dash of cinnamon as a alternative.
Bananas: Use overripe bananas if you can. The more ripe, the more sweet your pancakes will taste. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you prefer something a little sweeter.
Oats: I like to use old fashioned rolled oats. If you are gluten free, use certified gluten free oatmeal.
Milk: I like to use unsweetened almond milk, however, you can use any type of milk that you prefer including regular cow’s milk or a plant based alternative.
Let it stand: Once you have blended your ingredients, allow the mix to sit for around 10 minutes to thicken up before frying. The oats and chia seeds will need soak and become thick to provide the perfect pancakey texture.
To serve: Top your warm pancakes with a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup and some fresh fruit. You can add any toppings that take your fancy including greek yogurt, chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey. For something a little more indulgent top your pancakes with ice cream and/or whipped cream.
How to Make These Healthy Oat Pancakes From Scratch
Here’s how to make my easy healthy chocolate chai banana pancakes at home:
INGREDIENTS (Serves 2-3)
1 Ripe Banana
2 Cups of Hot Milk (Regular or Plant Based)
4 Chai Tea Bags (or 4 Teaspoons of Loose Leaf)
1 and 1/4 Cups of Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon of Cocoa Powder
Pinch of Salt
Handful of Chocolate Chips - Optional
To Serve - Blueberries, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup - Optional
METHOD
Firstly, prepare your chai tea by allowing your tea bags or loose leaf tea to steep directly in hot milk for around 10 minutes. Remove the tea and then allow to cool.
Blend together the tea, banana, oats, chia seeds, eggs, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Once the ingredients are well blended, allow the mixture to sit for five minutes so that thickens up.
Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Heat a frying pan over a medium to high heat and add a little vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Spoon roughly 1/2 cup of the mixture in the middle of the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping and cooking for a further 1-3 minutes.
You pancakes will be slightly bubbly around the edges, fluffy and a dark golden brown colour.
Add toppings such as fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup to serve.
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