Chickpea, Coriander Chutney & Chilli Beet Pancakes - Vegan & Savoury Alternative

This recipe from Mira Manek is an absolutely fantastic alternative to the traditional pancakes and serves as an awesome snack, meal or Shrove Tuesday treat!This recipe can easily be made vegan by simply removing the yoghurt (or replacing it for vegan yoghurt) and is so packed full of nutrition that you'll be feeling full, satisfied and positively healthy after eating!Makes around 8-10 small pancakes

[divider]Ingredients[/divider]

[one_half]Coriander chutneyCoriander leaves 50gGarlic 2 clovesGreen chilli 1Peanuts 15gLime Juice of halfCumin powder ½ teaspoon[/one_half][one_half]PancakesChickpea flour 200gNatural yoghurt (or vegan alternative) 1 tablespoonGinger, garlic and chilli paste 1 tablespoonTurmeric powder PinchSea Salt 1 teaspoonCoriander leaves 2 tablespoon, choppedWater 220ml[/one_half]Beetroot curryBeetroots 2, 200g, gratedCoconut oil 2 teaspoonsCumin seeds ¼ teaspoonMustard seeds ¼ teaspoonSesame seeds 1 teaspoonCurry leaves 10-12Ginger, garlic and chilli paste 1 tablespoonGreen chilli ½, finely chopped (optional)Salt ¼ teaspoonCoriander Handful, choppedCoconut flakes 1 tablespoonRoasted cashews Handful, 10-15

[divider]Method[/divider]

You can prepare the chutney in advance by blending together all the ingredients. Leave aside.To make the beetroot curryTo make the beetroot curry, place the oil in a pan on low heat and once the coconut oil has melted, add the cumin and mustard seeds. When the cumin seeds are brown and mustard seeds start to pop, add the sesame seeds and curry leaves. You can now add the ginger, garlic and chilli paste as well as the chopped green chillies for extra flavour and spice. If you don’t have a paste, you can add freshly grated ginger and garlic. Stir and let this cook for a minute before adding the grated beetroot. Stir this mixture for 5-10 minutes and then add the coriander and cashews. Stir in the coconut flakes right at the end and leave a handful for sprinkling on top when serving.For the pancakesTo make the pancake batter, using your hand, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl until a smooth consistency is reached. To cook the pudla, take a medium, non-stick frying pan and place over a medium heat. Allow pan to warm for a couple of minutes. Then pour a large spoonful of the batter on the pan and spread evenly in circular clockwise motions using the back of the spoon, pressing very lightly so that no gap is created whilst making the pancakes. Adding a few drops of oil on the sides of the pancake will allow it to cook well. Let the pancake cook for a couple of minutes on one side and then using a spatula flip and cook on the other side for a further minute. The pancake is cooked when a little browned on each side. Spread a thin layer of the coriander chutney, add a couple of spoons of the chilli beet and serve.

[divider]Nutritional Information[/divider]

Turmeric:This antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory is used regularly to season food in India where researchers found that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is 25 percent lower than in the U.S. In lab studies, mice that were fed curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) developed fewer amyloid plaques, associated with Alzheimer’s, than rats that weren’t.  More recent research published in Stem Cell Research and Therapy suggests it may boost your brain proliferation or its power to repair itself!Ginger:We all know the ginger root for its capacity to reduce nausea and pain reducing properties. However, recent research continues to demonstrate it’s brain boosting properties and potential to protect against cognitive disease. Ginger also has a sialagogue action, stimulating the production of saliva, which makes swallowing easier.Chickpea:Chickpeas are packed with magnesium which is vital to our brain health. Magnesium helps to relax the blood vessels which helps blood flow to the brain, and also speeds up the transmission of messages between brain cells.  Magnesium also restricts the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, and acts as a filter to prevent them entering the brain.