Recipe: Savory Gluten-Free Waffles for Spring Brunches

Many families celebrate spring holidays like Easter with their favorite brunch foods. However, for those of us with food allergies and dietary preferences, developing a family-friendly brunch menu can be a challenge. Our family has learned to get creative with brunch menus by trying world cuisine-inspired dishes and themes to accommodate our gluten-free needs.

The Harvard School of Public Health and the World Health Organization report that the Mediterranean diet is the most effective dietary lifestyle, offering a host of health benefits, including weight loss, heart and brain health, cancer prevention, and diabetes prevention and control. This new research has resulted in an update to our food pyramid to align with emerging research.

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. While there is no single definition, it is typically high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nut and seeds, and plant-based oils. Below, my family and I share a gluten-free, high-protein falafel waffle that will make an exciting addition to a holiday brunch spread.

Savory Mediterranean Falafel Waffles

Yields: 6 waffles

2, 15 oz cans chickpeas, drained

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 small onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 scoop bone broth and or collagen
   protein powder
   (or 2 Tbsp gluten-free flour)

½ tsp ground coriander

½ tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Using a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the chickpeas, parsley, onion and garlic until there are no large chunks. You may need to do this in two batches. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate one hour.

Preheat waffle maker and spray with cooking spray. Spoon ½ cup of falafel batter into waffle maker, cook for 12 to 15 minutes. The falafel will be crispy and lightly browned when done cooking. Serve with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and hummus.

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Hinton, GF MomCertified. Connect on social media @gfmomcertified.