SOFT, AIRY, FLUFFY AND NOT HARD ON YOUR TUMMY

My family has always had a thing for fluffy pancakes. This is one of the very first Japanese-style pancakes or soufflés I created, and it has been my go-to recipe for almost 4 years now. Honestly, it’s one we keep coming back to.

Have you ever tried a lighter, more balanced version of your favourite comfort breakfast?

You may wonder—how are my pancakes possibly good for gut health?

First of all, I’ve removed some of the usual ingredients found in traditional pancakes—like gluten-rich flour and overly sweet syrups. Instead, I’ve chosen ingredients that feel more nourishing while still tasting really good.

What makes this version a little different

I’ve added ingredients that not only taste great, but also support your body in a gentler way:

• Berries (blueberries & strawberries)
  Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, naturally lower in sugar, and supportive for gut health.
• Monk fruit sweetener
  A natural alternative that’s much sweeter than sugar but doesn’t cause the same energy spikes. It contains mogrosides, a unique antioxidant, and is low glycaemic.
• Pastured eggs
  I love using eggs from chooks that aren’t grain-fed all the time. They’re richer in omega-3s and provide a clean source of protein.
• Arrowroot powder
  One of my favourite starches—naturally gluten-free and very gentle. It works beautifully as a substitute for traditional flour.

A little personal note on arrowroot

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), or uraro as we call it in the Philippines, brings back memories of my childhood.

I remember harvesting it in my grandfather’s backyard—digging up the plants, separating the roots, and watching how they were turned into powder. It’s such a simple, natural ingredient.

Arrowroot is a source of clean carbohydrates and contains B vitamins and fibre. It’s traditionally known to support digestion and overall wellbeing, which is why I love using it in recipes like this.

And finally, to bring everything together, I’ve used a gentle, gut-friendly milk to keep the recipe light and balanced.

Ingredients

• 2 egg yolks
• 3 egg whites
• 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder (aluminium-free)
• ¼ cup monk fruit sugar (I used Lakanto brand)
• 1 tablespoon almond milk
• Grass-fed butter (to grease pan)

For the toppings:

• 1 Tbsp monk fruit icing sugar
• Fresh berries
• Maple syrup

Optional (for extra creaminess):

• Fresh whipped coconut cream (a gentle, dairy-free option)
• Organic thickened cream (if well tolerated)
• Coconut yogurt (light and gut-friendly alternative)

Directions

1. Separate the egg whites and egg yolks into two different bowls.
2. Add the almond milk to the egg yolks and whisk until thick and frothy.
3. Sift the arrowroot powder and baking powder into the egg yolk mixture.
4. Start beating the egg whites.
5. When the egg whites turn frothy and pale, gradually add the monk fruit sugar (about 1/3 at a time).
6. Continue whisking until you reach medium peaks (the tip gently curls over).
7. Heat a pan on very low heat. Lightly grease with grass-fed butter.
8. Fold one-third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
9. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites in batches, keeping the mixture airy.
10. Carefully combine without deflating the mixture.
11. Keep the pan on low heat.
12. Scoop batter into tall mounds in the pan.
13. Add another scoop on top to build height.
14. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
15. Add another scoop if needed to maintain height.
16. Check gently before flipping.
17. Flip carefully and cook the other side.
18. Let the pancakes firm slightly before handling.
19. Serve with berries, monk fruit icing sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
20. Best enjoyed fresh while still fluffy.

 A gentle way to start your day

This is one of those recipes that reminds me that eating well doesn’t have to feel complicated or restrictive.

It’s simply about making small, thoughtful adjustments to the foods we already enjoy, so they can support us a little better.

When you start your day with something that feels light, balanced, and nourishing, it can make a difference in how your energy flows, how you feel, and how you move through the rest of your day.

Let’s connect

Would you try a more balanced version of your favourite breakfast like this?

Or do you already have a go-to recipe that works well for you? I’d love to hear what you enjoy.