When the desire for pancakes arises but the packet of flour is empty, there is no point in giving up. It is entirely possible to prepare pancake batter without wheat flour, with just a few ingredients from the cupboard. An alternative that may also appeal to those looking for a version richer in fiber and potentially more filling.
The principle is simple: replace the flour with oatmeal, mixed with eggs and a vegetable drink. An express preparation which allows you to obtain a homogeneous dough and thin pancakes, without needing to let the dough rest.
Flourless pancakes: the quick oatmeal recipe
To make 6 to 8 crepes, you need:
- 150 g oatmeal;
- 380 ml of vegetable drink, of your choice;
- 3 eggs.
Pour the oatmeal into a blender, add the whole eggs then the vegetable drink gradually. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes, until you obtain a smooth paste, with no visible pieces.
Good news: no need to wait before cooking.
Heat a non-stick pan and grease it very lightly if necessary. Pour a small ladle of batter into the center and tilt the pan to distribute it evenly. Leave to cook for a few minutes, then carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Continue cooking for about a minute before moving on to the next one.
Oatmeal or white flour: what do we gain?
The composition of the dough plays an important role in the nutritional quality of pancakes. White flour is relatively low in fiber, which can make the preparation less filling.
“Using only white flour makes the pancakes less rich in fiber and therefore less filling. It may be interesting to introduce a part of wholemeal flour or buckwheat to increase the fiber intake and improve the nutritional quality of the preparation. This also allows you to diversify the flavors,” specifies dietitian Julie Boët.
Oatmeal is therefore another possibility. They provide fiber and protein in particular, and make it possible to modify the nutritional profile of the pancakes compared to a recipe made only with white flour.
Another advantage: once properly mixed, the flakes give a dough fine enough to obtain a texture close to that of traditional pancakes.
Pancakes potentially more filling thanks to fiber
Fiber plays an interesting role in the feeling of satiety. By integrating foods that contain more of it into a recipe, you can obtain a more filling preparation.
However, an oatmeal pancake does not automatically become “healthy”. It also depends on the quantity consumed and especially what is added to it. A very sweet or fatty topping can quickly increase the calorie content of the meal.
The interest of this recipe therefore lies above all in its simple composition: oat flakes, eggs and a vegetable drink, without the obligatory addition of sugar to the dough.
How to easily make oatmeal pancakes?
The batter should have a fluid enough consistency to spread easily in the pan. If it seems too thick, simply add a little vegetable drink. Conversely, if it is too runny, you can add a few more oats and blend again.
As for the garnish, anything is possible: fresh fruit, compote without added sugar, a few squares of melted chocolate, natural yogurt or even sautéed vegetables for a savory version.
And if you prefer to keep a traditional recipe, there is no need to ban white flour. You can simply replace part of it with wholemeal flour or buckwheat. An easy way to increase fiber intake while varying tastes.
In the end, these pancakes without wheat flour constitute a simple alternative when the cupboard is empty or when you want to change from the classic recipe. With only three ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, they allow you to indulge while integrating more fiber into the plate.