Image and Recipe: goop.com
Gluten has gotten a bad wrap and for good reason. With the emergence of genetically modified crops, hybridization and processing techniques that often increase the gluten content in many pastas, breads and grains, cases of gluten sensitivity have risen as well.
However, gluten isn’t the only potential issue. Weak digestive systems, often the result of overuse of antibiotics, chronic stress and poor lifestyle choices, simply can’t handle the complexity of gluten proteins. This is why at PHASE IV, we don’t just focus on helping you eat healthier foods, but also strengthening your digestive power so you can properly digest and assimilate essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health. If you’re interested in learning more, just go here and schedule a complimentary consultation with a PHASE IV nutritionist.
If you’ve given up gluten but miss some of your favorite food, don’t fret! There are amazing products and recipes out there that will allow you to enjoy the foods you love without the digestive distress. Here is one of our favorites!
COCONUT FLOUR PANCAKES
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
¼ cup coconut flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
3 tablespoons coconut oil, plus extra for frying the pancakes
1 tablespoon honey
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup almond milk
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and honey until mostly smooth (a few small lumps of coconut oil is fine). Whisk the eggs in one at a time. Add the almond milk, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
3. Fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula, and mix until just combined. Try not to overwork the batter, or the pancakes won’t be as fluffy.
4. Heat about 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat.
5. Add batter (1 heaping tablespoon makes one pancake) and cook for about 2-3 minutes on first side. The batter will not bubble as much as traditional pancakes, so be sure to check the underside and flip when golden brown. Cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side.
6. Continue cooking pancakes in batches until all of the batter has been used, adding more coconut oil to the pan as needed. You should end up with about 12 2-inch pancakes.
7. Serve smothered in maple syrup.