Can anyone say “Breakfast for Dinner?” I think pancakes might be one of my favorite meals, and I always (for some reason) end up craving it in the evening – long after breakfast or brunch has passed. So a few nights ago, I decided to switch things up and make pancakes and roasted potatoes for dinner. And as part of my ongoing quest to find a truly healthy pancake recipe, I decided to try a recipe from Vegetarian Times for Oatmeal & Sunflower “Pancakes” with Bananas and mini chocolate chips. Pancakes with chocolate chips that are actually healthy? I had to give this a try.
I was worried the husband wouldn’t be a huge fan because he’s used to the typical buttermilk pancakes, but he was open to the idea of trying these. I’d say they are more like oatmeal cakes vs. true pancakes – because they’re a lot more dense than regular pancakes because of the ingredient mix. That said, they had a nice, nutty, mild flavor – the perfect base for creative toppings. We of course, topped them with bananas, chocolate chips and maple syrup, but I also tried them with almond butter & honey (yum!) and peanut butter & blueberry preserves (double yum!). I’m sure there are a bunch of other ways you can dress these up (e.g. fresh fruit & honey) – and what you end up with is a protein & fiber packed meal that’s super satisfying. I decided to make these “pancakes” with my Roasted Rosemary Potatoes – which the husband loved.
Oatmeal Sunflower Pancakes
The Ingredients: Makes 4 pancakes
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 Tbs low fat cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp sunflower seeds
- Toppings: Sliced banana & 1 tsp mini chocolate chips per pancake + 2 tsp real maple syrup, 2 tsp almond butter & a drizzle of honey, fresh fruit & a drizzle of honey, etc.
The Directions
Step 1: In a food processor, combine rolled oats, low-fat cottage cheese, eggs and vanilla extract; blend until smooth.
Step 2: Stir in sunflower seeds. Pour batter into skillet misted with cooking spray to form four 4-inch pancakes; cook 3 minutes on each side.
Step 3: Top with sliced banana and 2 tsp. chocolate chips (for 2 pancakes) – or top with any toppings of your choice!
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
The Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby red potatoes, quartered with the skin on
- Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
The Directions
Step 1: Spray the potatoes with EVOO cooking spray, and toss with rosemary, salt & pepper in a large sheet pan
Step 2: Roast at 425 degrees for 25-30 min or until potatoes are tender and slightly crispy/browned. Enjoy!
This was the perfect “breakfast for dinner,” but it’s also a great recipe for brunch – especially for the long weekend. The husband was happy and satisfied after this meal – and I think he was surprised that he thought the pancakes were “good.”
Definitely try this brunch, breakfast or dinner recipe if you get a chance – I promise you won’t be disappointed. I hope everyone’s having a great 4th of July; and if you’re in the Bay Area – I hope you’re enjoying the amazing weather we’re having today!
Nutritional Info Per Serving (1 pancake + 1 tsp mini chocolate chips + 2 tsp real maple syrup + 2 tsp almond butter): 254 Calories, 12.2g Fat (2.5g Saturated), 87.7mg Sodium, 29.5g Carbs, 3.6g Fiber, 13.6g Sugar, 9.2g Protein
Nutritional Info Per Serving (everything above + 1/4 of the potatoes): 325 Calories, 12.3g Fat (2.5g Saturated), 105.7mg Sodium, 45.4g Carbs, 5.3g Fiber, 15.3g Sugar, 11.1g Protein
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 Tbs low fat cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp sunflower seeds
- Toppings: Sliced banana & 1 tsp mini chocolate chips per pancake + 2 tsp real maple syrup, 2 tsp almond butter & a drizzle of honey, fresh fruit & a drizzle of honey, etc.
- 1 lb baby red potatoes, quartered with the skin on
- Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine rolled oats, low-fat cottage cheese, eggs and vanilla extract; blend until smooth.
- Stir in sunflower seeds. Pour batter into skillet misted with cooking spray to form four 4-inch pancakes; cook 3 minutes on each side.
- Top with sliced banana and 2 tsp. chocolate chips (for 2 pancakes) – or top with any toppings of your choice!
- Spray the potatoes with EVOO cooking spray, and toss with rosemary, salt & pepper in a large sheet pan
- Roast at 425 degrees for 25-30 min or until potatoes are tender and slightly crispy/browned. Enjoy!
TAGS: breakfast, entrees, kid friendly recipes, quick meals, side dishes, vegetarian
Interesting take on pancakes. I’ll have to try these next “pancake day” we have 😀
I love pancakes. I find it hard though to find the time in the morning, even on the weekends. I frequently have breakfast for dinner. It is quick and far cheaper than a meat and potatoes kind of meal. I am going to try your pancake recipes, I too am always on a search for making them a bit more healthy. Of course my addition of maple syrup doesn’t help much.
Mmm I love roasted rosemary potatoes, I make those all the time! Your pancakes look delicious as well! 🙂
You made great job, great idea, great post. Now i will try it!
I have a question — did you use raw or roasted sunflower seeds in your pancakes? We are addicted to the Oatmeal/Sunflower/Millet pancake and waffle mix from The Bunnery restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and I’m trying to duplicate that. I like the addition of cottage cheese to your recipe to boost the protein. Thanks so much!
I used raw sunflower seeds – since they get mixed into the batter you don’t need the additional flavor that comes from roasting them 🙂 Hope that helps! Let me know how they turn out!