Chocolate Lentil Pancakes
Approximately 39 days ago, I decided to give up running!
Cold turkey!
Well…maybe not quite…
But, it has been hard refraining …oh so hard…
And I slipped up a couple of times (or 4…or 5…maybe), and indulged myself!
Running is my physical outlet to my mental befuddling – I am not in training for anything when I hit the asphalt (or treadmill) – other than training to preserve my sanity, no matter what the circumstances may be.
But, approximately 39 days ago I received my order of P90X3! After following Parita @ My Inner Shakti’s journey through T25, I decided to change things up; to take a break from running and a gazillioneth round of the original P90X workouts, and see what new muscle challenging moves I could befuddle my body with – through P90X3 as opposed to the mostly cardio focused T25.
The first 3 weeks of “Block 1” were immensely fun – and challenging! Though easier than P90X,
I enjoyed the variety of workouts as I sweated my way through core and balance focused Total Synergistics, power building Agilty X, push-up and pull-up advocating The Challenge, punishing CVX with a weight held through ALL of its cardio moves and my favorite: The Warrior – with its bootay kicking super burpees and elevator push-ups! I did not enjoy X3 Yoga – even though I know my body benefits from all the stretching and holding and breathing – I would rather be kicking and punching and jumping instead.
I was really bored during the “Transition week” and had quite a few “slip-up” runs during this time.
I am currently on the second week of “Block 2″…so far, I haven’t found the workouts in this block to be as challenging as some of the workouts in block 1 were.
During all the workouts, I have immensely enjoyed Tony Horton’s antics and humor and his little nuggets of wisdom. And the fact that ALL these workouts can be squeezed into 30 minutes of my busy mornings, leaves me time to eat healthy breakfasts’ like these chocolate lentil pancakes!
These are totally gluten free and lactose free – they don’t have any oats – just cooked lentils, and eggs and cocoa in addition to cinnamon, baking powder, salt, sugar and milk. The key is to cook them on a very low flame. They are not as fluffy as flour/oat pancakes, but they taste pretty darn good! Specially drizzled with chocolate-coconut “syrup”!
On a side note, Tony Horton’s dad left this earth the night before my dad did and T.H. shared the following words on his Facebook page which echo my sentiments and I had to share it on here…hoping these words will make a difference for someone:
“…Loss can effect people in different ways. This experience has allowed me to be more patient, understanding, and in the moment, and less anxious and frustrated by the little things… We can choose to eat better and exercise, but the loss of a loved one fosters thoughts and feelings you weren’t prepared for. The loss of my dad has created a new perspective that didn’t exist before. My frame of mind has changed and my priorities are now different…” Tony Horton
Ingredients
- For the pancakes:
- 2.5 cups cooked red lentils lentils boiled in approximately 5 cups of water for 30 minutes
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 3/4 cup cocoa
- For the "syrup"
- 1/2 cup dark or semi sweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
Makes 6-8 Pancakes:
- Place on the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse till incorporated into a batter
- Add 3-4 tablespoons of batter on a greased pan on a low flame
- Let cook 5-6 minutes (on a low flame) and flip and cook 5-6 minutes on the other side too
"Syrup":
- Add the coconut oil and chocolate to a saucepan over a medium flame and stir vigorously till chocolate is melted
- Pour over the pancakes and enjoy while still fresh and warm
What a genius idea!! I love red lentils, they are so versatile but I never thought I would see them in chocolate pancakes! Amazing stuff right there.
Thanks so much Lauren – Have you seen the chocolate lentil cake @ The Recipe Rebel? If not – get ready to have your mind blown!
Shashi, I know running is addicting and I used to do it to decompress from a stressful work day. However, it is so bad on your knees and joints so giving something new a try is a good thing for your body. Totally love these pancakes. Who would have thought that red lentils could be used in pancakes. Great idea and lots of protein. Can’t wait to give this a try on my teenagers and see if they can tell. Take Care, BAM
Thanks so much BAM – my daughter definitely made out that “something was different with these pancakes”! They are not as light and fluffy as regular pancakes – but they are still good – and good for you 🙂
I love the idea of using lentils in pancakes…wonder if I could simply use red lentil flour instead of cooked one..they look really great, Shashi.
Thanks Angie – wait – there’s red lentil flour??? I need to look for that! I guess you could – but you might have to adjust the milk/eggs as the flour would be more dryer than the cooked lentils would be – right?
Now that’s a beautiful way to use lentils!! You have definitely inspired me here!
Thanks so much Ramona!
Screw daal, THIS is how all how lentils must be used..these look so decadently delicious Shashi! I totally know what you mean about running being addictive. I used to run 4-5 times a week but toned it down to 1-2 a week for the sake of injury prevention. Lately , however, I’m lost my running groove…but I know it will come back soon enough :)!
Hahahaha! Thanks oodles Khushboo!
For me (I think my 13 year old rebellious self surfaces) when I put a running restriction on myself – thats when I want to run ALL the time!!!
I LOVE these! I made a lentil chocolate cake once, and it was fantastic. Good luck on your new journey 🙂
Thanks so much Ashley – I saw your chocolate lentil cake – like WOA – I don’t think I could pull that gorg cake off!!! I need lessons – or a walk thru video! 🙂
these looks amaaaazing! Your photos are awesome! Ahh, now my skyr yogurt im having for breakfast just wont do 🙂
Thanks so much Lady – top that skyr yogurt with this here chocolate syrup and all will be well with the world again – this chocolate/coconut shiz is da bomb – syrupy on warm stuff and hard shell-ey on cold stuff! Whoever came up with it first is a genius! 🙂
I really love this recipe Shashi, lentil pancakes and chocolate no less. They look so good I am on a smoothie only diet today you have no idea how hard it is to look at those gorgeous pancakes.
I am so sorry Suzanne! Avert your eyes quick and come back later! 🙂
Chocolate pancakes that are healthy? Sign me up for that whole stack! They look out of this world deeelicious! Red lentils is such a great idea and that chocolate syrup is just gorgeous! Good luck with your new workout and thank you for sharing what Tony Horton had to say. *hugs*
Thanks so much Kelly – hugs back atcha my friend!
You know what Shashi? You should become a triathlete. In triathlon there’s running + biking + swimming, you never get tired or bored. It’s the best sport ever (and I’m not bias…)
Talking about the best, these choc pancakes are the definitely the best pancakes I’ve laid my eyes on in a long time. I can’t believe there are actually made with lentils…
Haha – Mike – there’s no way you would be biased 😉 I like the running part – the other two …hmmmm…if only they had a triathlon with running, lifting and mixed martial arts – ooh that I would be so down for!
Thanks Mike – the blender did it!
How do you come up with some of your recipe combinations? I would never think to put lentils in pancakes!!! You are so creative!
I still haven’t gotten P90X3 – I just don’t know if I would like the shorter workouts and if it isn’t as challenging then I don’t think I will get it.
However, you will have to demo super burpees and elevator push-ups – not sure I’ve done either of those!
Thanks Kim – I usually cook a batch of lentils at the beginning of the week – sometimes we don’t eat it all and since I dont like to throw it out – I try to figure out something – I saw a lentil chocolate cake – but didn’t think I could pull it out so decided to stick with pancakes – the first couple of batches I didn’t get the quantities of lentils and milk just right and the pancakes were not forming at all!
Some of the P90X3 workouts like the Warrior and MMX and CVX are challenging and a great workout if you are short on time – but probably wont be for you though. Heres a super burpee – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV8orTtAMOc and elevator pushups https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=510ESoBw-OM
Thanks for those links – I’m going to try them but I’m not sure I could make that burpee a daily move – maybe after my race!!!
I think a side of these chocolatey pancakes will fit nicely with my bacon explosion! =)
Haha – on second thought maybe the lentils and eggs and whatnot could be skipped and you could just douse the whole bacon roll with chocolate?! 🙂
Isn’t it funny what everyone enjoys in a work out! I thought you might have hurt yourself running so that’s why you had to give it up but good to hear that was not why. These pancakes look too indulgent to have lentils in them! 😛 😉
Thanks Lorraine – nope no injuries this time around 🙂 These pancakes turned out way better than I thought – but I had a few flops at first – I struggled with the ratio of lentils to milk – the first couple batches were so lame!
I always love reading your posts. . thanks for sharing about Tony Horton’s dad . . I’m sure those words he wrote resonated so much with you and are relatable in so many ways . . thanks for sharing that! I did P90x back in the day and saw a difference. . esp in my arms. . are you doing a before and after photo? I run, like you, for my sanity .. I should probably change up my routine but it’s working for me now. let me know how you like the full workout series! And love these pancakes. . love always seeing such inventive and healthy food on your blog!
Thank you Alice for your sweet sweet words!
Regarding P90X – I don’t plan on doing before and after photos – I started P90X3 just for a change in my workout routine – some of the workouts are challenging and fun – but I don’t feel like they are as intense as the original P90X. When I do any of the P90X workouts I usually am sore the next day,however with the P90X3 workouts I haven’t felt that sore at all.
You never cease to amaze me with your genius recipes! Lentils in pancakes?! What?!?! Awesomeness, that’s what! Pinned 🙂
Thanks so much Chris!
Shashi, I am so impressed! Not only have you tackled P90X, but you also turned lentils into these amazing pancakes. Two thumbs up!!
Thanks so much David!
Whew! All that talk of running and exercise has made me tired. I think I need to lay down and eat some chocolate lentil pancakes. 😉
Hahaha – you are too funny Sashi!
Wow, your recipes always blow me away – you are so creative! I would have never, ever thought to make pancakes using lentils. And as for running…. the day I gave it up was when I started lifting, so it was the best decision ever 🙂
Thanks Tara!
I do love running still – but the more I expose myself to lifting – the more I like it!
I changed things up in my workout routine this week by, uh…not working out at all. SHAME ON ME. Love that you’re trying something new though! It’s always good for the body.
Also, these pancakes. Whoa. Mind=blown.
Thanks Joanne – hey,but isn’t packing and moving a workout too? 🙂
Triple impressed with what you did to lentils. Great invention and the pancakes are super duper good.
Thanks so very much Nava!
Holy smokes, look at this beautiful post! I just want to bite into that big stack of pancakes. You’re amazing!
Aww shucks – thanks Pamela! You are too too kind my friend!
Enjoyed the quote, Shashi!
You never cease to amaze me with the ideas you come up with. Lentils in pancakes? Sounds like just the excuse I need to eat more of them!
Thanks Helen – glad you enjoyed the quote!
What a transition! I do love the look of your pancakes. I wish I could take up jogging but unfortunately every time I do, I end up with injuries xx
Thanks so much Charlie! Usually when I get injured or eel Iam overdoing it I change things up…so far it seems to work for me.
WOW so interesting! Followed you from the SITS Blogging link-up. As a lentil lover this is never something I would have thought of. Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks so much for stopping by Heather! And thank you for your sweet words!
I don’t know if I told you before but I admire that you run. I wish I was so motivated in this too…
However I know I am motivated right now to eat your choco pancake. how indulgent!
Hahaha – thanks Helene! Hey these pancakes just might motivate you TO run 🙂
You are always such an inspiration to me for your outlook on life, how you look after yourself and your amazing food. These pancakes are outstanding, m’dear!
Awww-Maureen – thank you so very much – I am so touched by your kind words – hugs -and thanks for making my day!
Oh Shashi, I’m so sorry about your dad. 🙁 Not sure how I missed that but thinking about you! And what a great quote. My grandpa has been having some serious health issues these last few weeks and I could definitely use that reminder right now!
And on a happy note – these pancakes. Amazing. Chocolate and lentils?? How’d you know I have some lentils just waiting to be used up!
Oh Ashley – so sorry to hear about your grandpa – my dad struggled with health issues for so very long while I miss him, his presence even – I am happy that he is not suffering anymore. I pray you and your family have the strength y’all need in this time.
BTW – Thank you so very much! XX’s
Shashi, it’s been so long since I’ve stopped by; I’m happy you are starting a new wellness routing and I love this recipe; who would have ever thought that you could get these delectable looking pancakes out of eggs?! More forward-moving inspiration from you, to be thankful for. Life always seems to get busier and for one reason or another I haven’t dropped by lately – I love the look of your site, I think it’s new? I”m in the process of transitioning to the foodie theme as well, please wish me luck!
Thanks so much Dan – it’s great to hear from you again, old friend! I haven’t dropped by yours in awhile too but definitely need to more – moving froward right? 🙂
I wish you luck in your transition – I am looking forward to your new look – The Foodie theme is easy to figure out, took me a little trial and error but I managed to get things working in a week or two. Best of luck, my friend!
Well these look delicious, AND you have me wondering about the P90X3 program. I really need to start doing something since I don;t belong to a gym here – maybe I will check it out!
Thanks Amy – there are a whole bunch of P90X3 review workouts on YouTube – some of them have people doing the full length workouts too – you might wanna check those out first before you but – it isn’t as intense as the first one, but is fun all the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWv683lRYwA
These pancakes are just amazing!!! And wow…p90x3?? Also, I totally agree with Horton’s words. Perspective changes in so many ways that it’s impossible to dwell on the little things.
Thanks so much Zainab!
I’m super curious about these, and definitely want to try them out! They sound totally amazing, and good luck with the new workout plan 🙂 P90X3 is a killer!
Mmmm, these remind me of the black bean brownies I make 🙂 Love how you didn’t you anything but lentils in these! Looks delicious!
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.