Grain- Free Plantain Waffles

Grain-Free/ Nut-Free Plantain Waffles... Have you ever had waffles made with plantains? Ok, do you find yourself even buying plantains? Well, if you're anything like me, you would be curious to find out that plantain waffles are possible. Ok, so these waffles are a bit softer than the traditional crisp waffles.... but waffles nevertheless:). Actually, they do crisp up rather nicely if you place them in the toaster oven to bake further.

The first time I had plantain waffles was maybe about a half year ago, when my husband and I were visiting family. We had on overnight flight and were arriving early in the morning hours. My sister-in-law greeted us with these freshly made and delicious plantain waffles. Along with maple syrup and some great coffee we were set for the day. 

I was so amazed with the waffles that I knew I was going to make them when I got home. While my sister-in-law used some almond butter and some other good stuff, I have provided the basic recipe.You can adjust to your liking by adding some chia seeds, flax seeds, etc.

Yes, these waffles are gluten-free, and contain no flour of any kind. While these are great for breakfast as a sweet alternative, you can easily turn them into something a bit more savory... and serve them when you need some type of  "bread". I think they'd be especially good as a sandwich, for those days when you need something on the go. 

I should mention, that if you don't have a waffle maker... you can just turn them into pancakes:). Hope you enjoy...

Ingredients: adapted from PaleoMom

3 large green * plantains (about 2 cups pureed), mine were on the small side and I used 4

4 large eggs

2 tsps vanilla 

3 TBS extra virgin coconut oil/butter, I used a combination

2 TBS coconut sugar, can be optional, you can add more if you like

1/8 tsp salt, or to taste

½ tsp baking soda

cinnamon, nutmeg, or any other flavorings you like

*Note:While I specify green plantains, I've also made the waffles using somewhat yellow plantains, which also works...  in case you buy the green and don't get the chance to make the waffles then and there:)

Directions:

1. Quarter and peel plantains. 

2. Place plantain pieces in blender and blend till smooth, or until consistency of play-dough. 

3. Add eggs and blend again till you get a smooth batter.

4. Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender and process on high for an additional 1-2 minute or until you get a really good smooth batter.

5. Preheat waffle maker and add about 1/2 cup batter, or as much/ little as your  waffle maker takes. 

6. Repeat with remaining batter.

7. Serve with maple syrup and fruits if desired.

Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Pan...and King Arthur's Recipe for Best Ever Waffles

Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Pan...and King Arthur's Recipe for Best Ever Waffles...

In the past, the Nordic Ware folks have provided me with some really neat samples to try out. This next product was no exception. I had seen the Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Pan in various stores for some time now. I remember thinking the idea for making waffles in a pan was actually neat. So when I was given the chance to try out the pan, I was excited. In the process of trying out the pan, I chose to try a new recipe for waffles. Actually, I never made waffles before...never owned a waffle maker. So this would be fun...

For the waffle recipe, I decided to go with King Arthur Flour's Best Ever Waffle recipe...a recipe that's actually intended for use in a Belgian Waffle maker. But since Nordic Ware provided me with a Silver Dollar waffle pan, I thought... why not? I would try out the recipe and see see how it would fare. This past weekend I made waffles for breakfast....

About the Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Pan:

The pan is made of cast aluminum, has a non-stick finish and makes 7 (3 inch) waffle pancakes. As with most of Nordic Ware's pans, you will need to use medium heat. Each waffle/pancake opening holds about 2 TBS worth of batter. Try not to use more than that, as the batter can overflow. I loved how well the waffles/pancakes browned. I was able to turn them over with no problem...though if you want the second side to get the waffle squares, you will need to turn them while the top batter is still a bit wet, otherwise they will be flatter with no squares showing. The waffles come out semi-crisp...in between a waffle and a pancake.

The KAF recipe for Best Ever waffles is a keeper. Loved how light and delicious they were. As for the pan,... well, I just LOVED it! Just because it's easy to use, heats up quick, and has great release....not to mention that it also makes the cutest waffles/pancakes. I simply love smaller portions and I thought these waffles were just the right size. They're the perfect size for a ladies brunch...or for a kids breakfast. Why, I think even the men will enjoy these:)...

I am posting the KAF waffle recipe because I really,really liked it. I made a couple of changes.... simply added some vanilla and cut the recipe in half. Loved the added cornmeal.... Hope you enjoy...

You will need: yields about 12 silver dollar sized waffles...recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour and can easily be doubled.

1 egg, separated

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 TBS butter, melted

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour( I used King Arthur)

2 tsps cornmeal, fine

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp sugar

pinch of salt

extra melted butter for brushing pan

Toppings:

maple syrup or even honey, if you like

butter

fruits

nuts

Directions:

1. In a bowl,whisk dry ingredients until combined completely and set aside. I like to whisk the ingredients... as it aerates the dry ingredients and sort of mimics sifting.

2. Separate egg in two different bowls. Egg yolk in one and egg white in another.

3. To the egg yolk, add buttermilk, vanilla and melted butter. Mix to combine. Set aside.

4. Beat egg white till stiff. Set aside.

5. Fold dry ingredients into the buttermilk mixture, being careful not to over-mix....you may still have some small lumps.

6. Gently fold in the beaten egg white.

7. Preheat the waffle pan on medium and butter each silver dollar waffle section.

8. Add about 2 tablespoons of waffle batter. Cook until it bubbles on top and still a bit wet.

9 Turn waffle over and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds or until set.

10. Serve hot...with fruits and maple syrup. And, maybe a pad of butter:)...