Sweet Potato Pancakes- Sama Flour Recipe- Indian Gluten-Free Breakfast

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Potato Pancakes – Sama Flour Recipe – Indian Gluten-Free Breakfast

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – Sweet Potato Pancakes made with Sama flour. It’s a delightful, naturally sweet, and incredibly satisfying breakfast (or even a snack!). I first stumbled upon this combination while looking for ways to use up some sweet potatoes and incorporate more millets into our diet, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s a fantastic way to start the day, and honestly, it feels good knowing you’re nourishing your body with something wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average pancakes! They’re packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes and the subtle nutty flavor of Sama flour. They’re naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and come together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious pancakes:

• 1 kg Sweet Potatoes
• 1 cup Sama Flour (Varai / Mordhan Flour)
• ?? teaspoon Green Chili paste (adjust to your spice preference!)
• ?? cup Buttermilk (or 2 tablespoons Curd + enough water to make a cup)
• 2-3 tablespoons Crushed Roasted Groundnuts
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (or a touch of jaggery for a more traditional flavor)
• 2 teaspoons Chopped Coriander
• Salt to taste
• Oil / Ghee / Butter for roasting

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Sama Flour (Varai / Mordhan Flour): A Nutritional Grain
  Sama flour is a hidden gem! It’s a gluten-free flour made from a small millet grain. It’s incredibly easy to digest and a good source of fiber and iron. I usually buy mine from organic stores or online.
• Sweet Potatoes: Varieties and Selection
  You can use any variety of sweet potato you like – orange, white, or purple! I prefer the orange ones for their sweetness and vibrant color. Look for firm sweet potatoes without any blemishes.
• Buttermilk & Curd Substitution:
  Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem! Just whisk together 2 tablespoons of plain curd (yogurt) with enough water to make one cup. It works perfectly!
• Regional Variations in Spice Levels:
  Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili paste to suit your taste. Some people like a little kick, while others prefer a milder flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give your sweet potatoes a good wash and grate them. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like to leave the skin on for extra nutrients and a bit of texture.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potato, Sama flour, green chili paste, buttermilk (or curd mixture), crushed groundnuts, sugar, coriander, and salt.
3. Now, mix everything together really well. Add a little water at a time, if needed, to form a thick batter. It shouldn’t be too runny, but it should be easily pourable.
4. Heat a lightly greased griddle or flat pan over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle and gently spread it into a pancake shape.
5. Cover the pancake and cook for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges start to look set. Add a drizzle of oil or ghee around the edges, then carefully flip it over.
6. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee, your favorite chutney, or a side of yogurt.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to help you make the perfect pancakes:

• Achieving the Perfect Pancake Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more buttermilk or water. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of Sama flour at a time.
• Griddle Temperature Control: Medium heat is key! If the griddle is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before they’re cooked through. If it’s too low, they’ll be pale and soggy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes: Simply substitute the buttermilk with plant-based yogurt or almond milk. Use vegan butter or oil for roasting.
• Gluten-Free Adaptations (Ensuring Purity): Double-check that your Sama flour is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
• Spice Level Adjustments (Mild to Spicy): My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of red chili powder for an extra kick! Feel free to experiment.
• Festival Adaptations (Navratri/Fasting Friendly): This recipe is naturally Navratri-friendly as it uses Sama flour, which is allowed during fasting periods.

Serving Suggestions

These pancakes are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some accompaniments! I love serving them with:

• A dollop of fresh yogurt
• A spicy green chutney
• A sweet tamarind chutney
• A drizzle of ghee

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently on a griddle or in a pan.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Sama Flour and where can I find it?
  Sama flour is a gluten-free millet flour. You can find it in organic stores, health food stores, or online.
• Can I use regular wheat flour instead of Sama flour?
  You can, but it will change the texture and nutritional profile of the pancakes. Sama flour gives them a unique flavor and makes them gluten-free.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level in these pancakes?
  Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also use jaggery or honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Can these pancakes be made ahead of time?
  You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.
• What chutneys or accompaniments pair best with Sweet Potato Pancakes?
  Green chutney, tamarind chutney, and yogurt are all excellent choices!

Enjoy these Sweet Potato Pancakes! I hope they bring a little sunshine to your breakfast table. Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you!