Recipe: Cook flavorsome Belgian waffles for a 'sweet' day
Belgian waffles, with their origins in Belgium, have become a beloved breakfast dish worldwide. Known for their light and crispy texture, these waffles are traditionally served with a variety of toppings such as fruits and syrups. Despite their egg-based recipes, it's entirely possible to enjoy a vegetarian and eggless version without compromising on taste or texture. Let's get cooking!
Gather the following ingredients
For these waffles, gather two cups of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and two tablespoons of sugar. Include one and a half cups of milk or a plant-based alternative, half a cup of melted butter or oil, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water as an egg replacer.
Mixing the dry ingredients
Start by taking a large bowl to mix your dry ingredients. You'll need to combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Whisk these components together thoroughly. This step is vital as it ensures that the leavening agents are dispersed evenly throughout the flour mixture, which is key for that ideal rise in your waffles.
Preparing the wet mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk or a plant-based milk alternative, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and the apple cider vinegar mixture. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The apple cider vinegar serves as an egg substitute, contributing to the batter's rise and enhancing its fluffiness.
Combining wet and dry ingredients
Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures in a bowl. Stir with a spatula until they're just blended. Overmixing is to be avoided, as it will make the waffles dense. The batter should remain slightly lumpy, with no sizable flour clumps. This consistency is crucial for achieving the light and airy texture characteristic of perfect waffles.
Cooking your waffles
Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions. Once hot enough, pour an appropriate amount of batter onto it (usually about half a cup per waffle) and close the lid tightly. Cook until golden brown, which typically takes about five minutes but may vary depending on your appliance. Serve immediately with toppings like fresh fruits or maple syrup for added delight.