The waffles is one of the most international sweets that exist. Its origin dates back to ancient Greece, where a simple dough cooked between metal plates called obelios. But it was in the Middle Ages when it began to develop in a way similar to what we know today.
In the Middle Ages, the instrument used to cook waffles arose: two heavy metal plates connected with rings, with wooden arms, which were used to make the candy at festivals and fairs. Come on, almost like today. Waffle makers, of course, have become more sophisticated, but the mechanism remains the same: two hot plates that close to give their characteristic grid shape to the invention.
This shape is not only the aesthetic mark of the sweet, it is what gives it meaning, as it guarantees the uniform cooking of the entire doughallowing you to achieve a crispy exterior, even in very cold climates, which differentiates it from crêpes and pancakes.
Spread all over the world, the reality is that it is the Belgian waffles that have gained worldwide fame, which we can imitate at home with the Thermomix and even make healthy waffles – if we cut back on sugar, for example – although in that case they would be little similar. to American waffles. For it we just need a good waffle maker or, failing that, join some molds.
Although there are molds to make waffles for the oven, having a good electric waffle maker It is essential to prepare the sweet as God intended, and it is an instrument that can be given more uses than it seems, since some models also serve as a sandwich maker or griddle. Plus, they are not expensive.
Without a waffle maker there are no waffles
It is possible to acquire a decent waffle maker for less than 20 euroslike this one from the Adler brand with space for two waffles, 700 W and a fairly compact size.
adler ad311 Double Non-Stick Waffle Maker, 700W, BPA Free, 0 Decibels, Polymer, White
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
For a little more money, it’s worth going for this one. Cecotec waffle maker, which is the best seller on Amazon, and allows you to make four waffles per batch. It has a power of 700 W and can be put in the dishwasher (which is super convenient).
Cecotec Fun Gofrestone 3in1 Waffle Maker. RockStone Non-Stick Coating, 3 Interchangeable Plates (Waffles, Waffles, Muffins) Dishwasher Safe, 700 W
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
More sophisticated is this model of the Tibek brandwith 1200 W of power, which has three removable molds to choose between waffles, sandwich maker or griddle (ideal for making sandwiches or paninis).
Tibek Sandwich Maker 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker with Waffle Maker and Grill, Thermostat, 1200W Fast Heating, Include Removable Non-Stick and Interchangeable Plates, Luminous Indicator Light
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
A recipe to conquer them all
Although the shape of the waffle has not changed much over time, the recipe with which it is made has, which is different in different parts of Belgium: the Brussels area waffle is the most international, and is made with a leavened dough lightened with egg white, but the Liège wafflesmuch sweeter and denser, or those of the French-speaking Belgiumwhich are oval in shape and crispier.
In USA Waffles are enormously popular, with the particularity of being less sweet than Belgian ones, making them much more versatile. Our colleague Liliana Fuchs has figured out how to make the oven waffles recipe, which is the most recommended to make at home.
If we do not have commercial buttermilk, we can mix the milk, slightly warm, with white vinegar or lemon juice. After resting for about 20-30 minutes, it will have the texture of something cut, it is ready.
If we are going to bake them, preheat the oven to 220ºC and lightly grease the mold to ensure that they come out without problems.
Melt the butter carefully in the microwave and let it cool. Beat the eggs with a whisk, add the buttermilk, vanilla and, if using, sugar. Add the butter and mix well.
Add the sifted flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Combine with the rods gently, until you have a homogeneous dough without lumpswithout overmixing.
Prepare in the waffle maker according to the device’s instructions.
More recipes and curiosities about waffles
Eight ideas to accompany waffles
This waffle recipe can be regulated with more or less sugar, which allows not only to serve a sweet dessert, but also prepare savory dishes which, we assure you, are worth it.
here they go several ideas To serve the waffles:
1. With jam
A jam is one of the classic waffle accompaniments, but if it is homemade the bite is elevated to another dimension. Here we leave you some of our best recipes:
2. With cocoa cream
The cocoa and hazelnut cream is another of the classic waffle accompaniments, which we can also do at home. This homemade recipe, in addition to being delicious, is slightly healthier than industrial options. And we also have the chocolate waffle sauce, delicious.
3. With cream
The whipped cream It’s usually always in sweet waffleswhether accompanying jams or chocolates, but the best, and healthiest, is to serve it with fresh fruit.
Again, the cream wins whole if we make it at home. You just have to follow our recipe. There is no error.
4. With fruits
Since you have probably added sugar to your waffles, the best accompaniment for Don’t add even more empty calories is to serve it with fresh fruit.
The most common in waffles are red or forest fruitsbut the combinations are endless and can be adjusted depending on the season.
5. With ice cream
It goes without saying that Adding ice cream to a waffle is a fantastic idea. You can buy good ice cream and add it to your homemade waffles, but also prepare it at home and show off everything great. You just have to follow our guide to making homemade ice cream, or follow one of our five star ice cream recipes.
6. With yogurt
Another good garnish for waffles is natural yogurt, better if it is Greek, very creamy, flavored with vanilla or lemon zest, or a little honey.
7. With honey
Like pancakes, maple syrup and honey too They go well with waffleswithout abusing it too much.
Beper – Waffle Iron, Waffle Maker, 5 Waffles at a Time, Non-Stick Iron 18 cm, 800 – 100 W, Red and White
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
8. Savory waffles
As for savory accompaniments, we can play with almost anything we can think of. In general, cheeses go very well, as well as avocado, tomato, ham, eggs or a fresh salad. In certain areas of the United States it is typical combine waffles with fried chickenbut it is only for strong stomachs.
If we change the dough slightly we can even make a pizza. This recipe for savory pizza waffles can be made in any waffle maker and It can be enriched to taste. In addition to the tomato and cheese, we could add fresh chili, anchovies, some vegetables, ham, or whatever we fancy.
Images | iStock
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