Spelt & Oat Pancakes with Blueberry-Orange Compote

I saw this recipe from the Minimalist Baker and decided I have to veganize it. In a word...Delicious! My pictures do not do it justice, I almost didn't post it but decided what the heck. Take a look at the original recipe and you'll understand why I just had to attempt this recipe. And is so happened, I had just received a whole bag full of oranges that needed to be used and also had a bag of frozen organic blueberries in the freezer from summer ready to go. I'd say this recipe appeared at the perfect time. I love synchronicity's like that, don't you! I was all set and ready to go....away I went, off to the kitchen....my kitchen of love. :)

Spelt & Oat Pancakes with Blueberry-Orange Compote

Ingredients

• 1 cup spelt flour (or 1 cup all-purpose or 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour)
• 1/2 cup oats (old fashioned or quick oats)*
• 1 tablespoon sugar (coconut, raw or pure cane sugar)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup vegan buttermilk (1 cup non-dairy milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon flax meal + 3 tablespoons water), optional
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

 Compote

• 1/2 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)
• zest of one orange
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar (coconut, raw or pure cane sugar)

If using a flax egg, place ingredients in small bowl and set aside for about 10 minutes to set. This is optional. I have made pancakes many times without the need for an egg replacement but you can think of it as added nutrition as flax meal is very good for you!

Preheat griddle or pan to medium heat. Also place small saucepan over medium heat. Add blueberries, sugar, orange juice and orange zest and bring to a simmer, mashing the berries with the back of a spoon. Once warm, bubbly and thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flax egg, vanilla and coconut oil. Add wet ingredients into the dry mixture and blend until just combined.

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop and pour pancake mix onto a lightly greased griddle or skillet. Cook until bubbles form along the top and edges, about 2 to 3 minutes...bottom should be golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for another 2 minutes or so until golden brown underneath.

Serve warm with orange-blueberry compote and pure maple syrup. Serves two generously.

Enjoy!

*If you don't care for whole oats in your pancakes (like my daughter), you can process them to be a finer consistency or use the quick oats since they are a bit smaller pieces. They add a nice flavor and break up the wheat ratio.