Nourish Beautifully: Swati’s Summer Savoury Pancakes

Indian Lentil and Chick-pea Pancakes

By Swati Madan, Registered Nutritionist & Functional Medicine Practitioner

When skin feels off or energy is dipping, we often look to products or treatments. But at Skin & Sanctuary, we know that **what you put on your skin matters**and so does what you put in your body.

This is the first in our new Nourish Beautifully recipe series - quick, thoughtful ideas from our Registered Nutritionist, Swati Madan, designed to restore energy, support skin from the inside out, and keep things feeling simple.

This Month: Swati’s Iron-Rich Lentil & Spinach Pancakes

(Plant-based. High-protein. Gut-friendly. Naturally gluten-free.)

Nutrition from Swati Madan

Whether you're craving something savoury midweek or need a nourishing reset after travel or late nights, this dish is a summer favourite in Swati’s kitchen. Think of it as a cross between a dosa and an omelette - light, satisfying, and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the batter:

½ cup orange lentils (masoor dal) – soaked 2–3 hrs (or overnight)

½ cup chickpea flour (besan

1 small piece of ginger, grated1 small green chilli, finely chopped (optional)
½ tsp turmeric½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¾–1 cup water (enough to make a pourable batter)

Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice or a spoon of natural yogurt (adds gentle tang)

To stir in:

A generous handful of fresh spinach, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh coriander (dhania), chopped

1 small red onion, finely diced

A little oil or ghee for the pan

Method:

  1. Drain the soaked lentils, and blend with chickpea flour, ginger, chilli, turmeric, cumin, salt, and about ¾ cup water.

  2. Blend into a smooth, pourable batter - adjust water as needed. It should be thicker than a crêpe but thinner than pancake batter.

  3. Stir in spinach, onion, and coriander. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so the flavours mingle.

  4. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add a little oil or ghee.

  5. Pour in a ladle of batter and gently spread into a circle—like a dosa or thick crêpe.

  6. Cook 2–3 mins on one side until golden, then flip. Medium heat helps it cook through without burning.

Serve warm, with a spoon of natural yogurt or green chutney.

Why It Works:

  • Lentils + chickpea flour provide slow-release energy and protein to help stabilise blood sugar

  • Turmeric, ginger, and cumin reduce inflammation and support digestion

  • Spinach and coriander add folate, iron, and skin-loving antioxidants

Naturally rich in fibre, this dish supports healthy gut microbiota and clear skin

Ready to reset how you nourish yourself?

Swati offers nutrition support in-clinic every Monday and Wednesday as well as being our expert on the benefits of the Emerald Laser. If you’d like personalised guidance on what’s right for you, reply to this post or book a consultation here.

Until then - eat well, live beautifully.