This Sunday, at our Ayurveda Student Retreat on California’s Central Coast, we made Himalayan tartary buckwheat pancakes, and they were very well received.

Himalayan tartary buckwheat is a unique buckwheat grown at cold temperatures, increasing the plant’s resilience and the nutrients that make us strong and resilient. It is said, for instance, to have more than 132 phytonutrients, some found nowhere else in nature. Its taste is more bitter and astringent than the buckwheat most of us are used to, so consider a drizzle of honey or maple syrup when serving.

It takes a little time, especially when making enough for fifteen! After blending all the ingredients into a batter it needs to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the flax, chia and psyllium can bind. But that’s easy, and in the meanwile you can prep the fruit, make your tea, or admire the flowers in the fields frolicking in the early morning light.

When we are on retreat we intentionally create sattvic meals that are easy to digest, encourage elimination, nourish and delight all five senses. I was happy to demonstrate that when it comes to preparing meals direct from nature simple, minimal, and easy can also be delicious and satisfying.

Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat Pancakes
Makes 8-10 pancakes

With fruit, nuts or almond butter, frehs mint, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, it’s a treat!

Ingredients
1 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup oat flour
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup chia
1 tablespoon psyllium
1/2 pecans
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon each cardamom, ginger, nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
1-1/2 cups plant milk
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 lemon, zest and juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions
In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Stir well and break up any lumps.

In a medium size bowl, mix the wet ingredients together, then pour in to the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well.

Cover the bowl with a towel or large plate and let sit for 15 – 20 minutes. Then, heat your skillet, melt a dollop of ghee or coconut oil, ladle in some batter and make pancakes as you usually do!

Serve with fruit, nuts, honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy 💛🍃