Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Oatmeal – 1 cup (100g)
• Juice of 2 oranges (about ¾ cup or 180ml)
• Eggs – 3 large
• Milk – ⅓ cup (80ml) (use any type, such as almond, oat, or dairy milk)
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – To taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Orange zest – Zest of 1 orange

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Juice the Oranges: Start by juicing two fresh oranges to extract about ¾ cup (180ml) of juice. Set the juice aside, and don’t forget to zest one of the oranges before you cut it for juicing.
2. Grind the Oatmeal (Optional): If you prefer a smoother pancake batter, grind the oatmeal into a finer flour using a blender or food processor. This will give the pancakes a more traditional texture. However, if you like the texture of whole oats in your pancakes, you can use them as is.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt (¼ teaspoon), and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 oranges, 3 eggs, ⅓ cup of milk, and the zest of 1 orange. Whisk until the eggs are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry oatmeal mixture, stirring continuously to form a smooth batter. Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the oatmeal to absorb the liquid and thicken slightly, making the pancakes fluffier when cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of butter or oil.
2. Spoon the Batter: Once the pan is hot, pour or ladle about ¼ cup of the batter onto the pan for each pancake. Use the back of the spoon to spread the batter into a round shape.
3. Cook the Pancakes: Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep them warm while you cook the remaining pancakes. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

Step 4: Serve the Pancakes

1. Serve Hot: Serve these delicious orange oatmeal pancakes hot, topped with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt. For extra indulgence, you can sprinkle more orange zest on top or serve with a side of freshly sliced oranges.

Cooking Tips:

• Adjust the Consistency: If the batter becomes too thick while it sits, simply add a little more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) to thin it out. The oatmeal will continue to absorb liquid, so this adjustment may be necessary as you cook.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to customize these pancakes by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Using Different Types of Milk: This recipe works with any type of milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk. Just be sure to use unsweetened milk if you want to control the sweetness.
• Sweetness Adjustment: These pancakes have a natural sweetness from the orange juice, but if you prefer sweeter pancakes, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats if you need the pancakes to be gluten-free. Oats themselves are gluten-free, but they may be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products, so be sure to check the packaging.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze the pancakes, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 250-270 kcal
• Protein: 10-12g
• Fat: 6-8g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fiber: 4-5g
• Sugar: 12-14g
• Sodium: 200-250mg

These pancakes are a great source of fiber from the oats and provide a good balance of protein and healthy fats from the eggs and milk. The orange juice adds natural sweetness and vitamin C, making this a wholesome breakfast option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir in the morning before cooking, and add a little extra milk if the batter has thickened too much.

2. What other fruits can I use in these pancakes? You can add other citrus fruits like lemons or limes for a variation, or mix in fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries. You can also top the pancakes with sliced bananas or strawberries for extra flavor and nutrition.

3. Can I use quick oats instead of regular oats? Yes, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Quick oats will create a slightly smoother texture, while whole rolled oats provide more texture to the pancakes.

4. Can I skip the eggs for a vegan option? For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Let the flax mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.

5. How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan? Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the batter, and use a small amount of oil or butter to coat the pan. If the pancakes are still sticking, try lowering the heat slightly to prevent burning.

Conclusion:

These Orange Oatmeal Pancakes offer a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy breakfast, packed with fresh orange flavor, hearty oats, and a hint of cinnamon. They are quick and easy to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The bright, citrusy flavor from the orange juice and zest complements the warmth of the cinnamon, making these pancakes both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option or a sweet weekend treat, these pancakes are sure to impress. Try them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of extra zest, or even a side of yogurt for a well-rounded and satisfying meal!