Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 cup buckwheat flour
  • 1 teaspoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon baking soda
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, or as needed

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the flour mixture into the buttermilk mixture, whisking until the batter becomes thick and smooth.
  4. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes, allowing bubbles to form and the mixture to relax.
  5. Heat a griddle over medium heat and melt butter on the surface.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbles form on top and the edges begin to dry.
  7. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown on the other side.
  8. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  9. Serve the pancakes warm with fresh berries on top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 196

  • Total Fat: 6g (7% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 3g (13% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 57mg (19% DV)
  • Sodium: 444mg (19% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 9g (18% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
  • Calcium: 164mg (13% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (8% DV)
  • Potassium: 309mg (7% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

Buckwheat Pancakes

These buckwheat pancakes are a delicious alternative to traditional pancakes, made with buckwheat flour to give them a unique flavor and texture. Ideal for those seeking a gluten-free option or anyone who simply loves the nutty taste of buckwheat. This recipe by Chef John is easy to follow and yields fluffy, satisfying pancakes that can be served with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, syrup, or whipped cream.

History and Origin of Buckwheat Pancakes

Buckwheat pancakes have their roots in Eastern Europe and Russia, where buckwheat has been a staple ingredient for centuries. In countries like Russia and Ukraine, buckwheat flour is a common alternative to wheat, especially in rural areas. Buckwheat is not only nutritious but also gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for those with dietary restrictions. Over time, buckwheat pancakes spread to other parts of the world, becoming a beloved breakfast item in places like the United States and France. The pancakes' popularity grew as people sought healthier, whole-grain alternatives to traditional pancakes made with wheat flour.

Regional Variations

The recipe for buckwheat pancakes varies significantly depending on the region. In Russia, they are typically made thin, like crepes, and served with sour cream or jam. In France, a similar version called "galettes de sarrasin" is often enjoyed as a savory dish, filled with cheese, ham, or eggs. In the United States, however, buckwheat pancakes are usually thicker, served with sweet toppings like syrup and berries. These regional variations highlight how buckwheat pancakes have adapted to different tastes and culinary traditions.

What Makes Buckwheat Pancakes Different?

Unlike traditional pancakes made with refined wheat flour, buckwheat pancakes offer a distinctive flavor profile. Buckwheat itself is a highly nutritious seed, rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Its slightly nutty taste sets it apart from regular pancakes, providing a more earthy and robust flavor. Additionally, the texture of buckwheat pancakes tends to be denser and heartier, making them a more filling option. Many people also appreciate that buckwheat pancakes are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Where Are Buckwheat Pancakes Typically Served?

Buckwheat pancakes are commonly served for breakfast or brunch, especially in countries with a long history of using buckwheat in their cuisine. In the United States, they are often seen as a healthy alternative to traditional pancakes and are typically enjoyed in cafes and breakfast joints that offer a variety of pancake options. In Russia, they are often prepared at home, especially during holidays or as a comforting meal. French "galettes de sarrasin" are frequently served in creperies, where both savory and sweet fillings are added. No matter where they are served, buckwheat pancakes are often paired with toppings like fresh fruits, honey, maple syrup, or even savory ingredients like smoked salmon or cheese.

Interesting Facts About Buckwheat

  • Despite its name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat but rather a fruit seed related to rhubarb and sorrel.
  • In addition to its gluten-free status, buckwheat is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
  • Traditionally, buckwheat has been used in many cultures as a remedy for digestive issues, as it contains high levels of fiber and prebiotics.
  • In some regions, buckwheat pancakes are considered a hearty and nutritious meal to start the day, providing long-lasting energy without the crash that comes from high-sugar breakfast foods.

Conclusion

Buckwheat pancakes are a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile breakfast dish that has traveled across cultures and time. Whether you enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of fresh berries, these pancakes are a great way to start your morning. Their unique flavor, combined with the health benefits of buckwheat, makes them a perfect choice for anyone looking to try something new and delicious. Whether you're making them at home or ordering them at a cozy brunch spot, buckwheat pancakes are sure to become a favorite!

FAQ about Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

Buckwheat flour gives these pancakes their distinctive flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with other flours such as oat flour or a mix of white and whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary.

Yes, if you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. For each cup of milk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them by laying them flat on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply toast them or microwave them until warm.

If your pancakes aren't fluffy, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don't overmix the batter—some lumps are okay. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes also helps it relax and form bubbles, which can create a fluffier texture.

To make more servings, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Be sure to adjust the cooking time if you're making a larger batch, as the pancakes will need to be cooked in batches to ensure they brown properly.

Yes, you can use dairy-free substitutes like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk in place of buttermilk. Make sure to choose a dairy-free alternative that you enjoy the taste of, as it will influence the final flavor of the pancakes.

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor. For toppings, try fresh fruit, maple syrup, or even a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.

If your batter is too thick, you can add a little more buttermilk (or milk substitute) to loosen it up. Add the liquid a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired batter consistency.

The pancakes are done when bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look dry. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown on both sides.

Comments

Matthew Harris

10/08/2023 06:14:22 AM

This recipe for 100% buckwheat pancakes is truly outstanding. It's straightforward to make and incredibly delicious. I decided to make a double batch, and the only change I made was using a buttermilk substitute. Instead of buying buttermilk, I prefer to mix 1 part Greek yogurt with 3 parts whole milk whenever a recipe calls for it. It turned out perfectly!

Alexander Allen

05/02/2023 07:46:05 PM

I tried these fantastic pancakes with some modifications suggested by other cooks in the comments. Here are the changes I made: I used 3/4 cup of buckwheat flour and 1/4 cup of white flour, substituted 1/4 cup of brown sugar for the white sugar, added 2 teaspoons of baking powder, included 2 tablespoons of melted butter in the batter and for cooking, added 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, soaked a package of instant oatmeal in buttermilk for an hour, and of course, added a handful of mini-chocolate chips. The result was absolutely delicious!

Mark Young

04/11/2023 01:55:43 PM

These buckwheat pancakes were absolutely delightful! I had never tried them before, but this recipe turned out to be a winner. I substituted buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar, which worked perfectly. Despite forgetting to add sugar to the batter, the pancakes turned out delicious without it. I also added a touch of cinnamon and a hint of almond extract along with the vanilla extract, just to suit my taste preferences. I will definitely be making these again!

Emma Harris

10/13/2022 08:13:15 AM

Great experience! I don't understand why there's so much apprehension about using buckwheat, especially for pancakes. I included 1/4 tsp of ginger and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, and increased the amount of vanilla to around 1 tsp. The result was absolutely delicious with a fantastic texture.

Rebecca Allen

10/15/2023 06:36:29 AM

I absolutely adored it! I didn't have buttermilk, so I substituted with 3/4 cup of organic raw plain yogurt and 1/2 cup of oat milk since I didn't have any dairy milk on hand. The pancakes turned out beautifully light and fluffy, and I paired them with a generous amount of berries and pecans. Delicious!

Sharon Roberts

04/17/2024 09:43:49 AM

Great experience! The only change I made was adding 2 tsp of pumpkin spice to embrace the season. It goes perfectly with authentic maple syrup but doesn't quite work with cheap table syrup made with corn syrup.

Dorothy Martinez

01/03/2023 03:48:18 PM

My husband is a big fan of buckwheat pancakes. I made this recipe for him this evening, and he declared them the best buckwheat pancakes he's ever had (and he insists he's being honest, not just trying to please me, haha). I've never been a fan myself, but after tasting these, I must say they were absolutely delicious! I highly recommend trying out this recipe.

Jacob Parker

10/01/2024 04:46:39 AM

Light and has a pleasant buckwheat taste.

Helen Jackson

04/01/2023 11:36:40 AM

Simple recipe, but how can I make it fluffier? Maybe it's because I didn't have buttermilk and used skim milk with a bit of lemon juice instead. The pancakes didn't turn out like the buckwheat ones from Aunt Jemima I used to buy - they lacked the texture and appearance.