National Waffle Day is a holiday we can get behind! Celebrate breakfast-for-dinner style with this vegan version from Happy Herbivore Abroad.
Courtney’s Waffles from Happy Herbivore Abroad
Waffles are a Belgian specialty, and each part of the country has its own style. For example, what we know in America as the Belgian waffle is actually the Brussels waffle: a waffle that is rectangular in shape with a higher grid pattern that forms deep, square-shaped pockets. This is different from the Liège waffle, which is oval shaped, sweeter, and a little bit crispy.
This is my sister’s basic recipe for healthy waffles. They come out reminiscent of Brussels waffles, but we don’t use yeast in the batter, which is a traditional ingredient in all Belgian waffles. (Baking powder, which we use, is specific to American-style waffle batter.)
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 c whole-wheat pastry flour
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder nutmeg
1 c nondairy milk
¼ tsp vanilla
Steps
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg until well combined. Add nondairy milk and vanilla, then mix well. Once the waffle iron is fully heated (mine has a light that goes off), pour in one-quarter of the batter and close lid. I find it is best to start pouring the batter in the center and work my way out; otherwise I use too much batter. When the light goes back off (or on, depending on your machine), the waffle is done. Repeat with remaining batter.
Chef’s Notes:
- If your waffle iron is not a nonstick brand, you may need to lightly spritz it with oil spray.
- Traditionally, waffles were served as a snack or dessert in Belgium; they are not eaten as a breakfast food with syrup like they are in America. Today, however,
many of the cafés and street vendors in Belgium load Brussels waffles up with fresh
fruit (i.e., strawberries and bananas), whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, a practice considered “unauthentic” by some locals but beloved by tourists.
Per Waffle: Calories 124, Total Fat 1.3g, Carbohydrates 23.8g, Fiber 3.4g, Sugars 0g, Protein 3.3g