Piping hot pancakes may be one of the best breakfast traditions of all time. Try this healthy but delicious spin on an old classic by using whole-wheat flour and remember to increase your nutritional content even more by choosing organic when purchasing your flour.

The Science

A recent study, published in the scientific journal PLOS One found that wheat from organic farms had higher concentrations of Zinc than wheat grown conventionally.  The study compared levels of the important nutrient Zinc (Zn) in wheat from 30 organic farms and 30 conventional farms. They found that Zn concentrations were higher in the wheat grains from organic farms. Organic wheat also had higher levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur.

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups organic whole-wheat flour
• 2 Tbsp. organic brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 ½ cups 2% organic milk
• 1 large organic egg
• 4 Tbsp. organic unsalted butter, melted, plus more for frying
• 1 ½ tsp. organic vanilla extract

Directions

Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and the salt in a mixing bowl and set aside. In the microwave or on the stovetop, heat the milk until it is warm but not hot. Once warm, remove it from the stove or microwave and add in the melted butter, egg and vanilla. Whisk until well blended.

Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Using a fork, mix until only small lumps of flour remain. Note: Do not over-mix the batter. It should not be completely smooth.

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Once it is hot, coat the bottom with butter. Scoop ¼ cup of the batter into the middle of the frying pan and cook until little bubbles begin to rise and pop in the center of the pancake – about 2 minutes.  Flip the pancake and cook on the other side for another 2 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and continue until you have used all of your batter.  Makes 10 – 12 pancakes.

Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruit or all by themselves.

Banner Photo Credit:  Fa Barboza; unsplash.com

Photo Credit: Delfina Cocciardi; unsplash.com