| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 312 | 10g | 5g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 2g | 9g | 0.22g |
Having danced between Caribbean flavors and Spanish classics all my life, it’s not often I hesitate when expressing my love for a certain dish. But when it comes to Purple Bauhinia Pancakes, words almost fail me because it’s not just a dish, it’s a symphony of flavors that that stir my soul and take me to the idyllic landscapes of my formative years. It’s a beautiful blend of distinct, yet complementary ingredients; cooking it feels almost like choreographing a captivating dance.
Unfurling The Magic of Purple Bauhinia
Purple Bauhinia isn’t just a spectacle for the eyes, it’s a treasure trove of taste and nutrition. Known also as Orchid Tree, the vibrant purple Bauhinia flowers impart a unique floral character to these pancakes. Besides making the dish visually delightful, these edible flowers are rich in antioxidants which help maintain a healthy heart and radiant skin.
I often spot these beautiful flowers on my morning strolls. Just as the sun begins to paint the sky in hues of purple and pink, the Bauhinia flowers – bathed in the golden light – seem to hum a melody only mother nature can orchestrate. No wonder then that incorporating them in a dish makes it feel like I’m eating a slice of the stunning Miami morning.
Health Is Wealth
My Purple Bauhinia Pancakes aren’t just about incredible taste; they are about maintaining a balance between indulging your taste buds and caring for your health. Packed with the goodness of mixed berries, this dish boasts a healthy dose of beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are a great dietary source of fiber and provide a deliciously sweet yet low-calorie topping. The lemon zest further boosts the antioxidant quantity of the dish, not to mention its vibrant undertone that has you pining for more.
The recipe also includes eggs, a perfect source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Not to mention, the subtle creaminess the egg lends to the pancakes makes each bite a delightful experience.
When we talk about pancakes, how can we possibly forget maple syrup? Native to North America, this liquid gold, as I like to call it, isn’t just a treat for your taste buds but also a rich source of minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
The benefits of maple syrup goes beyond its delightful sweetness. Yes, it’s true, the mention of maple syrup might be a call for a little indulgence but, as I always say, the secret to a healthy diet lies in balance and moderation.
The Perfect Complement
You might wonder, is there a way I can make my meal even more enjoyable? Glad you asked because my love for tapas guides me here, vouching for a platter of classic Spanish omelette or Gazpacho Andaluz to go with those dreamy Purple Bauhinia Pancakes. The contrasting boldly savory notes of the Spanish tapas beautifully complement the subtle floral sweetness of the pancakes, offering an unforgettable gastronomical experience.
So, here’s to flourishing flavors, blossoming health benefits, and blooming happiness that warm the plate and the heart with every bite of these magical Purple Bauhinia Pancakes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Purple Bauhinia flower petals (or equivalent edible purple flower)
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Additional butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Method
Step One
Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Beat 2 eggs and combine them with 1.5 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Step Three
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the combination of the dry ingredients, stirring well to ensure that no lumps form in the batter. Stir just until the batter becomes smooth and completely combined.
Step Four
Gently fold in the 1 cup of Purple Bauhinia flower petals to the batter, followed by 1 cup of mixed berries and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Stir until they are evenly distributed within the batter.
Step Five
Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
Step Six
Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter onto the pan to form individual pancakes. Cook each pancake until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set, it usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then flip the pancake and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step Seven
Remove the pancakes from the pan and keep them warm. Continue with the rest of the batter until all pancakes are cooked.
Step Eight
Serve the Purple Bauhinia Pancakes with additional butter and drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy your breakfast or brunch with these delicious and unique pancakes!
