Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles

Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles Recipe: A Scrumptious Vegetarian Delight

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles are a unique and flavorful twist on traditional waffles. The combination of spicy jalapeños and hearty cornmeal creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles are not entirely clear, but it is likely that this recipe was inspired by the popular Southern dish of cornbread. By adding jalapeños and turning the batter into waffles, this recipe offers a new and exciting way to enjoy the flavors of cornbread in a fun and innovative way.

Ingredients

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
0.75 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp ground cumin
0.75 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 cup buttermilk
2 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large egg yolk
2 large egg whites

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Lightly coat the waffle iron with cooking spray and preheat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, cumin, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, jalapeño, cilantro, oil, and egg yolk. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture, whisking just until combined.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter.
5. Ladle 0.67 cup of batter (or the amount recommended by the manufacturer's directions for your waffle iron) into the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Gently open the lid and remove the waffle with a fork. Serve immediately or transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter, lightly coating the iron with cooking spray each time.

Variations

Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the batter for a smoky twist.
Top the waffles with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and zesty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly seed and mince the jalapeño peppers to ensure that the waffles are not too spicy.

- Folding the beaten egg whites into the batter will help create light and fluffy waffles.

- Preheating the waffle iron and lightly coating it with cooking spray will help prevent the waffles from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles is to fold the beaten egg whites into the batter gently to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the batter for Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking the waffles.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles on a platter with a variety of toppings and condiments for a fun and interactive breakfast or brunch spread.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles with a side of fresh fruit salad and a hot cup of coffee for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk) and eggs.

Summary

Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles are a balanced and nutritious meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles are a delicious and unique twist on traditional waffles, with a spicy kick from jalapeños and a hearty texture from cornmeal. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite for breakfast or brunch!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Jalapeño-Cornmeal Waffles. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who learned it from her grandmother many years ago. The combination of spicy jalapeños and sweet cornmeal sounded intriguing, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Maria invited me over to her cozy kitchen one sunny afternoon to show me how to make these special waffles. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of sizzling bacon on the stove. Maria was bustling about, gathering all the ingredients we would need for our cooking adventure.

She handed me a bowl of cornmeal and instructed me to sift it into a large mixing bowl. As I carefully sifted the cornmeal, I listened intently as Maria shared the story of how her grandmother used to make these waffles for her and her siblings on lazy Sunday mornings. The tradition had been passed down through generations, and Maria was proud to share it with me.

Next, Maria added flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to the cornmeal, creating a dry mixture that would form the base of our waffle batter. She then cracked a few eggs into a separate bowl and whisked them until they were frothy. I watched in amazement as she poured the eggs into the dry ingredients, along with buttermilk and melted butter, creating a smooth and thick batter.

But the star of the show was the jalapeños. Maria carefully diced them into tiny pieces and folded them into the batter, along with some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra kick. The vibrant green and red specks of jalapeño added a pop of color to the batter, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished waffles.

We poured the batter into a preheated waffle iron and closed the lid, waiting patiently as the waffles cooked to perfection. The kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of jalapeños and cheese, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the waffles were golden brown and crispy, Maria carefully removed them from the iron and placed them on a platter.

We sat down at the kitchen table, eager to dig into our creation. I took a bite of the waffle and was immediately hit with a burst of flavors. The sweet cornmeal provided a perfect contrast to the spicy jalapeños, while the melted cheese added a creamy richness that tied everything together.

Maria and I savored every bite, reminiscing about the old days when her grandmother would make these waffles for her. The recipe had stood the test of time, bringing joy and comfort to those who tasted it. I knew that I would carry on the tradition, sharing this special recipe with my own family and friends for years to come.

As I finished my waffle, I thanked Maria for sharing her family recipe with me. She smiled warmly and told me that cooking was all about creating memories and building connections with the ones we love. I couldn't agree more. And as I left Maria's kitchen that day, my heart was full of gratitude for the wonderful gift of food and friendship that she had given me.