Welcome to The Storied Recipe! This Banana Omelette Recipe comes to us from the incredibly inspiring Liam Elkind, a resident of New York and student at Yale University who jumped into action in the early days of Covid. Listen to his story while you make his 2 Ingredient Egg & Banana Pancakes!
This is a recipe with a bit of an identity crisis! It has only two Ingredients - bananas and eggs. It's high in protein, high in minerals (especially potassium), gluten-free, sugar-free (well, no added sugars; banana has lots naturally). Total time to ingest all that goodness: 15 minutes, including eating.
Ok it's quick, it's healthy, but the question still remains: What IS this dish? Is it an omelet? Is it a pancake?
I'd argue it's *most* similar to a CREPE. The texture is a thin, a little floppy, but nice and crispy (at least if you eat them warm.)
P.S. There are so many global pancake recipes on this site! Take a peek at at Pancakes Around the World and 47 Pancake Topping Ideas!
Listen to Author's Story
In March 2020, when Covid hit, 20-year-old Liam Elkind and his friends started Invisible Hands Deliver in NYC. They created a website and flyers to help vulnerable people get food and supplies. The initiative went viral, and they faced the challenge of scaling it up. Liam's approach to building the organization is inspiring and wise beyond his years.
Liam has digestive issues and it took simple foods like these to keep him healthy and energetic when he accepted the challenge of shepherding Invisible Hands Deliver through such meteoric growth. He loves that these pancakes are quick, delicious, and easy on his stomach. He says he made them frequently for friends and family through the beginning stages of the pandemic and continues to eat them now that he's back at school.
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Ingredients
Banana - choose to your own preferred level of ripeness. If they're too firm, it will be hard to mash them down and you'll have banana chunks in your omelet/pancake/crepes.
Eggs - Your choice.
Flavor - vanilla, almond extract, coconut extract are a few suggestions. Go wild! Or go simple and stick with just the 2 ingredients.
To fry - 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Wouldn't recommend olive oil 😉
Instructions
Whisk eggs, whisk bananas, whisk together.
Fry on griddle or skillet over medium heat.
That's it!
Is it difficult to flip the Egg & Banana Crepes?
Several recipes address these frequent flipping problems, but I didn't experience that personally. Nevertheless, the following tips are good:
- Use, as Liam says, a "small dollop" of egg mixture at a time
- Wait until bubbling before flipping
- Use a slim spatula. (Don't use a metal spatula on a non-stick pan or griddle!)
Health Benefits of Eggs & Bananas
Eggs: Fortunately, the days of demonizing eggs are behind us (and fortunately for me, my mom never bought into the #fakenews about eggs.) Here are a few benefits:
- Nutrient-rich Egg Yolk:
- Egg yolks are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are crucial for vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting.
- They contain choline, a nutrient that supports brain health, memory, and cognitive function.
- Rich in antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, egg yolks promote eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- High-quality Protein in Egg Whites:
- Egg whites are an excellent source of complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall body function.
- The protein in egg whites is highly bioavailable, meaning it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to many other protein sources.
- Healthy Fats in Egg Yolk:
- The fats in egg yolks are primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol).
- These fats also contain omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health.
- Promotes Weight Management:
- Eggs are known for their satiating effect, helping you feel full and satisfied, which may reduce overall calorie intake and support weight management efforts.
- The combination of protein and healthy fats in eggs helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and preventing spikes in hunger.
- Supports Cardiovascular Health:
- Studies have shown that moderate egg consumption is not linked to an increased risk of heart disease for most people.
- The healthy fats in eggs, such as monounsaturated fats and omega-3s, contribute to heart health by promoting good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) and reducing inflammation.
Bananas:
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Bananas are an excellent source of essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function, while vitamin B6 aids in metabolism and immune system support.
- Digestive Health: The high fiber content in bananas supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the natural prebiotics in bananas nourish beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome.
- Energy Boost: Bananas are a great natural energy source, thanks to their carbohydrates, particularly in the form of easily digestible sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. This makes them an ideal snack before or after physical activity to replenish glycogen stores and provide an energy boost.
- Heart Health: The potassium content in bananas plays a significant role in maintaining heart health. Adequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and may help lower blood pressure levels.
- Mood and Brain Support: Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, known as the "feel-good" hormone. Serotonin helps regulate mood and can contribute to a sense of well-being. Additionally, the antioxidants and other nutrients in bananas support brain function and may help improve cognitive health.
Equipment
I LOVE my family-sized griddle! Make a whole batch at once.
Use a slim spatula for easy flipping. If your griddle is non-stick, avoid a metal spatula.
Storage
Really, I wouldn't recommend it. If you really want to, freeze (don't refrigerate) and reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds.
FAQ
When to Eat These: Breakfast or Dessert?
Either! For me, it all depends on what you top it with -
Breakfast: Extra chopped banana, more fruit, peanut butter, maple syrup for breakfast
Dessert: Ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate chips, caramel sauce
What to Expect? Do these taste more like eggs or bananas?
With the proportions Liam recommends, these had, to me, a very strong banana flavor.
For a sweet breakfast omelette with more of an egg flavor, try these Polish Biszkoptowy with Stewed Berries from Zuza Zak.
More Global Pancake Recipes
Recipe
Banana Omelette Recipe (Egg and Banana Pancakes)
Ingredients
- 2 Bananas
- 3 Eggs
Flavoring
- Vanilla or Almond extract, if desired
Instructions
- Mash up 2 bananas really intensely
- Whisk 3 eggs really intensely (everything about this must be INTENSE)
- Mix your bananas and eggs together.
- Add a little (or a lot, your call) of vanilla extract
- Fry up the griddle and add some oil. Keep the griddle on medium.
- Dollop a spoonful of mix onto the griddle for each pancake.
- When it starts bubbling, flip the pancake.
- Repeat until all your mix is gone.
- Pour some syrup or toppings on and enjoy!
Notes
- Listen to Liam's episode, A Heavenly Cause with Liam Elkind, Founder of Invisible Hands Deliver while you make his 2-ingredient pancakes!
- Read the 101 Pancake Toppings post for a real pancake party!
Nutrition
Food Safety
uncooked eggs
Would love to hear from you!