5 ways to lighten up pancakes:
1. Switch flour
Substitute plain flour for wholemeal to increase the fibre content. Or use gluten-free buckwheat, which also contains fibre and essential nutrients.
2. Add vegies
Pancakes don’t have to be sweet. Up your vitamin intake by adding finely chopped or grated vegies to your batter for a savoury pancake that’s great for any meal. Carrots, corn, zucchini and mashed pumpkin work well and you can add toppings such as roast tomato and avocado.
3. Sprinkle on nuts
Add healthy fats and protein to sweet pancakes with a sprinkling of nuts. They contain fibre and key nutrients including vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.
4. Sweeten with fruit
There’s no need to smother your pancakes in maple syrup. Use fruit to add natural sweetness as well as extra vitamins and minerals. Try a mix of berries such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries, or caramelised banana or pear.
5. Swap milk
Replace full-cream milk in your batter with skim or, for a tangy taste and a super-fluffy batter, buttermilk.
