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I have an idea.
Let’s all play “sick” today and just stay home, make pancakes and eat them in bed… and then never leave the bed for the rest of the day… except for more pancakes.
Obviously.
Deal?? Awesome, let’s do this!
That above, is my ideal day – pancakes in bed, chillin the rest of the day and then eating more pancakes. If only we could really all do that today. I’m thinking that for most of us, my little fantasy for the day might not actually be possible on a Friday. However, I think it’s completely reasonable to shoot for this breakfast in bed scheme to happen on Sunday.
Plus, this Sunday is an extra special Sunday. Hello! It’s Valentines Day! I could not think of a better excuse to make fluffy pancakes topped with whipped ricotta and a rosy blood orange jam then Valentine’s Day.
Just make sure that you get extra pretty roses to accompany your waffles, because no matter what your relationship status is, flowers are always a must.
Pssst… if those flowers happen to be chocolate molded into flowers that’s cool too. Just saying. 🙂
Here’s the deal, I’ve been dreaming up these pancakes for a while now. I knew that on this Friday, the Friday before Valentine’s Day, I really wanted to share a super sweet and festive breakfast recipe. I mean, Valentine’s Days should always have a fun and super sweet breakfast, but when V-Day falls on a Sunday?
There are NO EXCUSES. Breakfast is a MUST!
So today we are talking about these whole grain, quinoa and coconut filled pancakes. Continuing on with the health food kick that I am currently on, I wanted to make a pancake that was light and fluffy, but still nutritious. So I blended some cooked quinoa into my batter and stirred in a little unsweetened coconut flakes as well. I love coconut, but if you’re not a fan, you can omit it.
The pancakes are actually so super easy and quick to make. Just mix the batter in a blender and it’s ready in literally 60 seconds. YESS. That is totally the way to go, blender pancakes! 🙂
Even with the whole-wheat flour and quinoa, these pancakes are still incredibly light and fluffy, but yet they also have great texture. You’ll be amazed, even your kids will give these pancakes a thumbs up! Maybe add a few chocolate chips though??
Yes, definitely add some chocolate chips. <–DO IT.
OKAY and now for the jam. I will not lie, this rosy blood orange jam is so delicious… and so easy! You don’t even have to put it on a the stove! I used chia seeds to thicken it and was amazed at the jam-like consistency.
I highly recommend making the jam the night before you plan on cooking your pancakes though. It’s best if the jam has time to sit and allow the chia seeds to expand and work their magic. Plus, then all you have to do in the morning in throw all the ingredients into a blender, cook and eat!!
OH, but the whipped ricotta. You simply cannot forget the whipped ricotta. It’s kind of my favorite. So much better than plain old whipped cream. This citrus whipped ricotta will take your pancake eating experience to a whole new level.
No seriously… they are that good.
Coconut Quinoa Pancakes with Citrus Whipped Ricotta and Rosy Blood Orange Jam.
Ingredients
Blood Orange Chia Jam
- 3-4 small-medium blood oranges, peeled and most of the white pith discarded
- 2 tablespoon real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rose water, optional
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Citrus Whipped Ricotta
- 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- zest of 1 blood orange or grapefruit
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Coconut Quinoa Pancakes
- 1 cup milk + more if needed to thin the batter (I like using canned coconut milk, whole goat milk or almond milk)
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup COOKED quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour, I love Bob's Red Mill brand
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut, I love Bob's Red Mill brand
Instructions
Blood Orange Chia Jam
- Chop the blood oranges, add them + their juices to a bowl. Add the maple syrup, rose water and chia seeds. Use a fork to combine the ingredients. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight, stirring once or twice to prevent the chia seeds form forming lumps. The chia seeds will bind the juices into a jam-like consistency. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
Citrus Whipped Ricotta
- Add the ricotta, maple syrup and lemon juice to a food processor or blender. Puree until completely smooth. Stir in the citrus zest. Add the heavy cream to a bowl and, using an electric mixer, whisk the cream until stiff peeks form. Gently fold the ricotta into the whipped cream. Stir in a pinch of flaky sea salt. Store covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Coconut Quinoa Pancakes
- Add the milk, egg, vanilla and cooked quinoa to a blender and blend until the quinoa is finely chopped and the the egg beaten. Add the whole wheat flour baking powder, salt and half of the coconut. Blend until just combined being careful not to overmix the batter. It's OK if your batter has lumps. Stir in the remaining coconut. Let the batter sit 5-10 minutes while you preheat your griddle/pan.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter, coconut oil or cooking spray to melt. Pour about 1/3 cup pancake batter onto the center of the hot pan and gently spread the batter to form a circle. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Using a spatula, gently flip the pancake over and cook the other side for a minute, or until golden. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- To serve, divide the pancakes among plates. Top each plate with a generous dollop of whipped ricotta and a couple spoonfuls of the blood orange jam. EAT... no DEVOUR.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Happy weekend!! Let’s fill it up with ALL these yummy coconut quinoa pancakes! 🙂
Okay, I’m with you. I mean it’s Friday after all so no one will kiss us anyway right? Seriously though, these pancakes look so good I think I need to have a Valentine’s Day breakfast dress rehersal. You know, for timing purposes and stuff.
hehe! Thank you so much, Amanda! Have a great weekend!
Oh wow, that looks delicious! Just yummy!
Thank you so much! Have a great weekend!
Oh…I am loving this 🙂 What a great idea to put quinoa in …awesome healthy pancakes for breakfast 🙂
Thanks Lynne! Have a great weekend!
Those are some fluffy pancakes! Looks delicious and that jam, oh my!
Thanks! Have a great weekend!
Those are BIIIIIIIG pancakes, and I LOVE it! They are so fluffy and delicious!
THANK YOU! Have a great weekend, Cassie!
These look absolutely amazing! I must make these so I can devour them.
Thanks Joy!
Everything about this sounds and looks so perfect, but it’s that jam that I’m really feeling!! So pretty and simple to whip up. Happy weekend Tieghan <3
Thank you, Leah! Happy weekend!
I think Jack Johnson had the same ideas as you…except his pancakes weren’t as fancy. These look good! I especially want to try making the jam:)
haha!! Banana pancakes can never fail…YUM!
We’re on the same rosy blood orange page today — and yes, I think I do feel a sniffle coming on 😉
fun!! Thanks Sue! Have a great weekend!
The perfect festive Valentine’s breakfast Tieghan! I LOVE that jam! And that photo of it…wow!
Thank you! Have a great weekend!
I love everything about these pancakes!! Especially love the added quinoa and whipped ricotta! Gorgeous photos!
Thanks Deborah! Have the best weekend!
This looks inventive and very tasty, those pancakes are so thick and fluffy – I cannot stop looking at that stack of pancakes, they’re mesmerising!
THANK YOU! Hope you have a great weekend!
We also once used whipped ricotta as frosting on a carrot cake, BEST DECISION EVER. Love these pancakes and they’re certainly perfect for Valentine’s!
right?!?! Whipped ricotta is the BEST! 🙂
Thank you!
I love using healthy flours like spelt, oatmeal and rye in pancakes, but quinoa is a new one for me! I’m intrigued and will definitely be trying it out next time I have some leftover; I also have yet to try chia jam, your blood orange version sounds delicious 🙂
Thank you! These pancakes totally sound like something you will love! 🙂
love that you blended quinoa into the pancakes! i’m always looking for breakfasts that taste like dessert (let’s be real here) but that also keep me full and semi-healthy, so these sound perfect!
Thanks Heather! have a great weekend! 🙂