Black Rice Urad Dal Pancake

Name: Black Rice Urad Dal Pancake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup black rice soaked for 4 hours; 1 cup urad dal soaked for 4 hours; 1/2 cup coconut oil; 1 cup rice syrup; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups blueberries for filling and garnish; 1/2 cup pineapple puree for filling

By Dada Shivananda

Black Rice Pancakes – A Nutrient-Packed Delight

A Bold Experiment with Black Rice & Urad Dal

These Black Rice Pancakes were born out of curiosity—to see how the deep, rich color of black rice would blend with white urad dal (black-skinned mung bean). The result? Sensational—a strikingly dark pancake with a unique, nutty flavor.

The Superfood Power of Black Rice

Black rice owes its deep hue to anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blackberries, acai berries, and purple-hued fruits and vegetables. These compounds provide numerous health benefits, including:

✔ Slowing cell aging

✔ Reducing inflammation

✔ Enhancing eyesight and brain function

✔ Improving cardiovascular health

✔ Stabilizing blood sugar levels

Black Rice – The Emperor’s Superfood

In ancient China, black rice was believed to nourish the kidneys, stomach, and liver. Once cooked, its deep black grains turn a stunning dark purple, thanks to its exceptionally high anthocyanin concentration.

Historically, black rice was known as "Emperor’s Rice", reserved exclusively for the Chinese emperor and nobility, as it was thought to promote health and longevity. The local population was forbidden from cultivating it, earning it the name "Forbidden Rice."