Crunchy, yet fluffy, waffles are a classic and perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner or anytime in between. They have established a niche for themselves with dedicated outlets serving waffles. These crispy treats have also found their way into Indian homes as instant premix batters line department stores. With this demand, chefs are giving waffles quirky makeovers.
Oh how sweet!
While flavors like chocolate, red velvet or salted caramel have established fans, waffles with fresh fruit and berries remain evergreen. They act as a blank canvas to customize to suit personal taste. Amit Sharma, chef, Mumbai’s Love & Cheesecake, says, “You can add chopped peaches, mango or kiwi. Other toppings include whipped cream, chocolate hazelnut spread, maple syrup and nut butters.
Catering to an international flavor profile, Wafflesome, a waffle outlet in Delhi, has curated a Biscoff waffle. “The waffle is a bestseller,” says founder Miran Punjabi, topped with vanilla ice cream, crushed biscuits and bisque sauce.
To give this European breakfast classic an Indian twist, chef Ritu Uday Kugaji says, “The jalebi batter can be made into a waffle with just a touch of jaggery syrup.” Gulgu batter can also be used to make waffles. She says, “It is made with wheat flour, jaggery syrup and ground fennel seeds.
Serves delicious
Not just breakfast buffets, delicious waffles can now be found on dinner tables. Palak Paneer, Malai Broccoli and Chicken Chettinad Waffles are some of the variations that grace the menu. Chef Nishant Chaubey often whips up these creations in his kitchen at Street Stories in Bengaluru. “Waffle will continue to get a makeover with Indian influence,” he says. Cranberry Cheese Waffles with Rosella Syrup, Baked Figs and Sour Cream is another delicious waffle she makes.
A popular variant is also Butter Chicken Waffles – creamy butter chicken tempered with Kasuri fenugreek on top of crispy waffles.
“Try adding crispy bacon on top of your waffles. The salty, smoky flavor pairs well with sweet waffles. Fried chicken and waffles, a classic Southern American dish that combines the sweetness of waffles with the savory flavor of fried chicken, is very popular,” says Chef Sharma. .
Waffles can also be paired with a variety of flavorful dips made using seasonal produce. “Chutneys made with shatoot (mulberry), guava (guava), jamun and falsa are some of the options,” says Chef Kugaji. To add an Indian element to waffles, replace the whipped cream with hand-churned butter. “Sprinkle podi masala, garlic and red chilli powder, chaat masala, amchur or grated coconut,” she adds.
Waffles go healthy
A fun treat, waffles can also be made with healthier options like buckwheat and whole wheat. “Waffles made with ragi, multigrain, oatmeal and muesli are what consumers are looking for,” said Swapndeep Mukherjee, Executive Chef, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, Delhi.
Vegetarian chef and Instagrammer Surbhi Sehgal has created a waffle recipe that uses clean and natural ingredients: “My delicious waffle is made with quinoa flour and zucchini. Eggs are replaced with flaxseed. It’s a great breakfast option that can be enjoyed with avocado, salad, or eggs.” She suggests making sweet plant-based waffles with ragi flour, coconut milk, and jaggery.
Tips for making crispy, fluffy waffles at home
For crispy waffles, use a batter as thick as honey.
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the whites until they form stiff peaks to get the right consistency.
Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to avoid chewy waffles.
Do not overfill the iron as this will result in dense and unevenly cooked waffles.
Instead of using melted butter, use vegetable oil, as it makes the waffles light and fluffy.
Choose a metal waffle iron that is non-toxic.
(Input by Chef Ritu Uday Kugaji)
Recipe: Multigrain waffles with ice cream and fresh fruit
Material
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup finger millet flour
⅓ cup whole wheat flour
⅓ cup oat flour
¼ tsp vanilla extract
2 teaspoons of sugar
method
Using a hand beater, beat the eggs in a large bowl until fluffy.
Add the milk, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla extract and beat until combined and smooth.
Into the above mixture, stir in the multigrain flour. Mix well, until it is lump-free.
To bake, grease a waffle iron pan with oil and pour the mixture. Cook until golden brown.
Serve hot with chopped fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream.
(By Chef Swapndeep Mukherjee)