Making banana pancakes

“But, baby, you hardly even notice

When I try to show you this

Song is meant to keep you

From doing what you're supposed to.

Waking up too early

Maybe we can sleep in

Make you banana pancakes

Pretend like it's the weekend now”

 - Jack Johnson

There is this song by Jack Johnson called banana pancakes. It’s about how he wants his loved one to forget about the life outside their little home, be lazy and make banana pancakes with him. I simply love this song, not only because it’s a great song, but also because it’s about staying in, being leisurely and caring about the important things instead of whatever irrelevant things may be calling in the world outside. And because it is about pancakes.

So here is my recipe for banana pancakes. I find that vegan banana pancakes can get a bit heavy, so make sure to fry them over low heat so that they cook through properly. Also, keep an eye on the consistency of the batter. If it seems too thick, add more milk. Made properly though these pancakes are a filling, hearty breakfast as well as a perfect way to forget about the world outside on a lazy morning.

If you want to be extra luxurious, add chocolate chips or blueberries to the batter (if using frozen berries, sprinkle them over the pancake in the pan) or sprinkle some extra coconut over the pancake before flipping it.

Makes about 10 pancakes

1 chia egg (1 tbsp. chia seeds + 2 ½ tbsp. water)

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

3 dl vegan milk

3 ½ dl all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. sugar

1 ½ tbsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cardamom

1 dl shredded coconut

Mix the chia egg in a bowl and let sit for about 10 minutes. Mash the banana in the bowl and then add the milk and oil. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Incorporate the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Heat a pan to low-medium heat. Add a tiny bit of oil and pour in enough batter to make the size of pancakes you like. I recommend not making them too big. Turn the pancakes over when bubbles have started to appear on the surface and it has started to dry slightly. It is key to fry them on low heat so that they get cooked through.

Serve with fresh fruit and maybe some maple syrup. A sprinkle of cinnamon won’t make them worse either, I promise.