The West African Way to Make Super Fluffy Pancakes

Is there anything better than a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes on a lazy weekend morning? The answer is a resounding no. In my house, a nice pat of salted butter and a very generous pour of maple syrup are strict pancake requirements.

I love all pancakes, like the ones from IHOP. But as a Nigerian, the pancakes that have a particularly special place in my heart are pancakes made with one added ingredient: fonio, an ancient grain indigenous to West Africa. If you’re in the mood for a fun twist on classic pancakes, then I would highly recommend giving fonio pancakes a try.

Related: The New Viral Way to Make the Best-Ever Pancakes, According to a Chef

What is Fonio?

While grains like quinoa and couscous are more popular than ever here in the U.S., fonio hasn’t quite caught up with them yet, but it’s well on its way. If you’re a fan of those other grains, I think you’ll instantly fall in love with fonio. It’s part of the millet family and native to West Africa, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years.

This tiny grain is an absolute powerhouse, packing 12 grams of protein per cup, which is more than either quinoa or couscous. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, I’d highly recommend adding fonio to your repertoire because it’s an excellent complete protein source. Fonio is also naturally gluten-free and full of fiber. In case I haven’t yet convinced you to become a fonio convert, I should also mention that fonio cooks at lightning speed. It’s ready to go in less than 10 minutes.

Fonio is the lightest, airiest grain out there and it has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor. It lends a delicious depth to a variety of different recipes, both savory and sweet, like salads, grain bowls, sweet porridges and of course, pancakes!

Related: How to Make Perfect, Fluffy, Golden Pancakes Every Single Time

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Why Make Pancakes with Fonio

Fonio gives pancakes a delicious nutty flavor and an incredibly light, airy texture. The final results is a stack of delicious golden-brown pancakes that are unbelievably soft, sky-high and packed with plenty of nutrients that will keep you feeling full in the best way.

Related: Oatmeal Protein Pancakes Are the Healthy Breakfast Boost That's Free of Gluten

How to Make Fonio Pancakes

You start by cooking fonio in a small saucepan and letting it cool for a few minutes before adding it to a large bowl. In the same bowl, you add flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt and whisk everything together. Then, in another smaller bowl, you’ll whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk and vanilla extract.

Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir to combine. Finally, you melt butter in a nonstick pan, and portion out the batter, flipping them over after 2 to 3 minutes. Cook them in batches until you’ve finished the remaining batter. Don't forget to serve your pancakes with a nice big drizzle of maple syrup and some fresh berries on top.

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