Falafel Waffle

If you're looking to put a savory twist on your breakfast routine, or for anytime, look no further than the falafel waffle. These delightful creations bring the flavors of the Middle East into a form that's perfect for any meal of the day. Made with a harmonious blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices like cumin and coriander, these waffles are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Adding riced broccoli and couscous boosts their fiber content, making them a satisfying and wholesome option. The crispy texture of the waffle, paired with the earthy, aromatic spices, creates a unique experience that’s both comforting and exotic. Serve them with a fresh salad and homemade tzatziki, a side of creamy hummus or a drizzle of tahini sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you enjoy them for brunch or as a savory dinner alternative, falafel waffles are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (1½ cups), drained and rinsed

- ½ cup reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba)

- 1 cup riced broccoli

- 1 cup coarsely chopped onion

- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 9 cloves garlic, minced

- ½ cup dry couscous, cooked

- ½ cup whole wheat flour

- ¼ cup flaxseed meal

- 5 teaspoons ground coriander

- 5 teaspoons ground cumin

- 2 teaspoons regular or sodium-free baking powder

- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric

- ¾ teaspoon sea salt

- 1½ cups water

Instructions:

1. **Preheat Waffle Maker:** Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the medium-low setting if available.

2. **Prepare the Chickpeas:** In a large bowl, mash the drained chickpeas until they are crumbly. Reserve ½ cup of chickpea liquid (aquafaba) for later use.

3. **Combine Ingredients:** To the mashed chickpeas, add the riced broccoli, chopped onion, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic. Mix thoroughly.

4. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal, ground coriander, ground cumin, baking powder, ground turmeric, and sea salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

5. **Create the Batter:** Add the dry ingredient mixture to the chickpea mixture, along with the reserved aquafaba and 1½ cups of water. Mix well until a thick batter forms. Let the batter stand for 10 minutes to allow it to thicken further.

6. **Cook the Waffles:** Spoon ½ cup of batter onto the preheated waffle maker, spreading it to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Close the lid and cook for 4 minutes. Check if the waffle lifts easily; if not, cook for an additional 30 seconds. Use a wooden chopstick or silicone spatula to remove the waffle and transfer it to a wire rack for cooling.

7. **Repeat:** Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches, following the same process.

8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the falafel waffles warm with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad.

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Enjoy your delicious, savory falafel waffles!