Waffle wonders

Kandla Nijhowne

We all bring home a loaf of bread for a start to our mornings. The contents of the bread are questionable since it has often been tempered with chemical additives, preservative and colour. Have you ever considered replacing your slice of bread with something more nourishing, homemade and quick? Get yourself a waffle-iron and get going with countless ways to turn out a bread substitute. Waffles are a delight when warm and crisp, straight from the iron to the plate to the palate!

Savory breakfast waffles

• ½ cup flour (maida, or ¼ each maida and atta)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 medium-sized zucchini, grated coarsely

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup grated cheese

• ½ cup spring onion greens or onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp garlic paste

• ¼ tsp salt

• a dash of pepper

• 1 tsp olive oil

Method

• Use a deep mixing bowl to sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

• Add the grated zucchini, eggs, salt, cheese, onion, pepper, oil and garlic paste.

• Mix thoroughly with a balloon whisk. The batter will be thick.

• Heat up the waffle iron, grease the plates and pour enough mixture to spread across the pattern.

• Snap close the waffle maker and cook for 4-5 minutes (check instructions) or till the waffles look golden and crisp.

• Transfer to a plate and serve immediately, topped with cooked eggs.

Note: You can replace zucchini with grated carrots or chopped, steamed broccoli. Waffles can be dressed up easily for a light brunch or supper too. Top them up with any of the following – stir-fried strips of chicken, crisp bacon, grilled tomatoes, wilted spinach, mushrooms and sour cream. A crisp salad would complete the picture!

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)