Banana Buckwheat Pancakes

It's Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, tomorrow so I wanted to create a pancake recipe to show that you can still enjoy this special treat even when following a gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free or vegan diet (or all of the aforementioned!). These pikelet style banana pancakes make for a seriously indulgent, yet healthy, breakfast or brunch or special treat. The flavours work really well together- maple syrup adds sweetness and the walnuts add a satisfying crunch.

Three great health benefits: good source of fibre, beneficial for bone health, good source of antioxidants 

Makes 8 (I find that this is sufficient for 2 people but it depends how hungry you are!)
Enjoy immediately

Ingredients:
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp gluten free baking powder
1 ripe banana, mashed
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup almond milk
1 tsp coconut oil
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp maple syrup

Method:
1) Start by making chia seed egg replacements. To do this, simply combine the chia seeds with 6 tbsp water and set aside for approximately half an hour. You can do this the night before and leave the chia seeds to set overnight if you know you'll be wanting pancakes for breakfast!
2) To make the pancake batter, place the buckwheat flour, baking powder, banana, chia "eggs" and almond milk into a blender and blend until thoroughly combined.
3) Warm the coconut oil in a small frying pan over a high heat.
4) Add a little of the pancake batter (I used an ice-cream scoop to measure it out) to the frying pan in a rough circular or pikelet shape. Cook for a minute to a minute and a half before flipping and cooking for a further minute on the other side. Keep a close eye on the pancake to ensure it doesn't burn. Remove the pancake and set aside on a plate.
5) Repeat step four until all of the batter is used up and you have a lovely stack of pancakes! Top the pancakes with the chopped walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy immediately.

Let me know if you try out this recipe! Tag me on Twitter @HaloEats or Instagram @halo.eats