Waffles, for those of you who don’t know, are thin pancakes that can be served with a variety of toppings. They are often eaten as breakfast food but can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Belgian waffles have become popular in the last few years because they’re thicker than traditional waffles and typically topped with powdered sugar or syrup. But what if we added some herbs to make these a Spring morning treat?
These Rosemary & Orange Belgian Waffles are a great way to use up any leftover orange zest, and the fresh rosemary packs an amazing flavor punch. Serve them with some butter and maple syrup or powdered sugar for a perfect breakfast!
Before we get started, don’t forget to preheat your waffle iron.
The key to making any type of waffle is a good batter mix and plenty of butter. But for these Belgian waffles we need an extra step because the rosemary will be in our dry ingredients. Mince up half a bunch of fresh herbs (about three tablespoons) until you have about two teaspoons worth then add it into your liquid ingredients with the melted butter and eggs before whisking together quickly, just like when you’re whipping cream! You can also do this by using dried herbs instead if that’s what you have on hand – but know that they won’t pack as much flavor.
Add one cup milk to your mixture followed by self-rising flour, sugar, salt and whisk together until combined.
Melt about two tablespoons of butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat before pouring your batter into the center – it should be about one cup worth for this recipe. Wait for bubbles to form around the edges then flip them after they’re golden brown on both sides (about four minutes per side) and repeat with remaining batter.
Serve waffles immediately drizzled with syrup or warmed fresh fruit!
Another way to make this recipe:
– Instead of adding the eggs, replace them with ΒΌ cup cornstarch.
– Add in an extra tablespoon of sugar to counteract the effect on sweetness from not having eggs.
– Add in a dash of baking powder.
Waffles making tips:
-Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to mix. Add eggs, milk, oil or butter, water (if necessary), vanilla extract and grated zest of one orange before adding the wet mixture to the dry ingredients as you beat with an electric mixer for two minutes on low speed until just combined.
-Lightly brush waffle iron with vegetable cooking spray. Pour batter into center of grid pattern of waffle iron quickly close top plate by pressing down firmly then release pressure immediately so top plate closes gently without popping off any batter; repeat this process until there is no more space left in your waffle maker (you should have around four Belgian Waffles). Cook each side for about two minutes or less depending on how dark you want them.
-In a small bowl, mix together orange juice and honey for the sauce and set aside. Serve with fresh fruit or maple syrup.
How to make waffles more delicious?
Add a dash of fresh herbs and citrus zest.
Place the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl; whisk to combine well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until the batter is smooth but not too thick or runny. Fold in butter bit by bit with spatula until it has been mixed evenly with the other ingredients. Pour milk slowly while stirring continuously so that they will be combined smoothly without any lumps (or if you are using water instead). Stir for about 30 seconds before letting dough rest for five minutes on counter-top covered by cling film (saran wrap) as this allows them to rise slightly during resting period. If waffle iron heats up faster than expected when ready to use, place dough in fridge for 30 minutes to rest before cooking.
Melt butter and finely chop herbs of choice (rosemary or thyme work well) with a sharp knife while stirring often so they don’t burn. Add zest from one orange; mix until fragrant. Pour melted butter mixture over the waffle batter and mix ingredients together by folding them around each other with the spatula as you pour it into your greased waffle iron. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions: most will take about three minutes on medium-high heat which should yield golden brown crispy Belgian Waffles when done right! Serve ready made ones straight out of hot pan (or wait five minutes if cooled first), garnished with fresh rosemary and orange zest.