Food for Thought: Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Why not start the day off right with a berry-good recipe that the whole family will enjoy? Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes won’t disappoint – they’re deliciously sweet and healthy.

Benefits of blueberries

While this fruit is tiny, it’s mighty good for you. Blueberries rank as the highest of any fruit for antioxidants, and are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C (1 cup provides 3.6 grams of fiber and 24 percent of daily vitamin C). They’re considered a superfood because of their powerful health benefits. Blueberries can help lower blood pressure, protect against heart disease, support your digestive system, improve skin health and help maintain strong bones. So, don’t forget to add the blueberries when you’re making the pancakes this weekend. Check out the full recipe below.

Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup reduced-fat milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups blueberries, divided
• Vegetable oil
• Maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Stir well.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, eggs and ricotta cheese. Pour over flour mixture and stir briefly to mix. Do not beat. Stir in 1 cup blueberries.
3. Lightly grease a griddle (or very large skillet) with oil and heat over medium heat.
4. Drop in pancake batter to form 6 pancakes. Cook pancakes until bubbles form on top and edges turn golden, about 2 minutes. Flip over and cook second sides about 2 minutes or until golden.
5. Remove pancakes and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter to form 6 more pancakes.
6. Arrange on 4 serving plates. Top each stack with 1/4 cup blueberries.
7. Serve with maple syrup if desired.

This recipe is brought to you by your health care partners at LVPG Primary Care – reminding you a healthy outside starts from the inside. To learn about LVPG primary care or to find a provider near you, visit LVHN.org/primarycare. Ongoing nutrition education is important for your health. Remember to always talk with your doctor should you have any questions about nutrition or your dietary needs.