Oat Pancakes with Dates

Ingredients

For the recipe

• 180 g plain rolled oats, not steel-cut oats
• 100 g soft Medjool dates, weighed after removing the pits
• 240 ml 2% milk (about 247 g)
• 100 ml warm water (100 g)
• 2 large eggs (100 g without shells)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (1.5 g)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (13.5 g), measured for greasing the pan across all batches

Instructions

1. Check every date for a pit, weigh 100 g of pitted fruit, then chop. Soak in the measured 100 ml warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Keep the soaking water because it is part of the batter.
2. While the dates soak, blend the rolled oats in a dry blender for 30-60 seconds until they resemble fine flour. Transfer the oat flour to a bowl.
3. Put the softened dates and all their soaking water in the blender. Add the milk, eggs and vanilla, then blend until no large pieces of date remain.
4. Add the oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Blend briefly, only until smooth and combined, scraping the sides once if needed.
5. Let the batter stand for 5-8 minutes so the oats hydrate. It should be thick but pourable. If it becomes too thick to spread, stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time; do not add extra unmeasured milk.
6. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Brush lightly with a little of the measured oil. Divide the batter into 12 portions, about 60-65 g each, to make pancakes about 9-10 cm / 3 1/2-4 inches wide.
7. Cook each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the edges look set and the underside is golden. Date sugars brown easily, so reduce the heat if the color develops before the center starts to set.
8. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 1/2-2 minutes, until cooked through. These pancakes are more delicate than wheat-flour pancakes, so wait until they hold their shape before turning.
9. Repeat with the remaining batter and measured oil. Serve 3 pancakes per person. The nutrition calculation does not include extra dates, honey, syrup, nut butter or other toppings.