By The Green Parent
01st November 2018
The addition of toasted black sesame paste provides a nuttiness that gives these waffles an added complexity. When paired with a peanut sugar garnish, these waffles have a subtle Asian characteristic. Peanuts are a popular garnish in Taiwan and provide texture and an added nuttiness while the slightly salty-umami miso caramel gives the dish its balance. These grey-hued waffles are a delicious and decadent snack or breakfast served with whatever garnish you enjoy most. What we really, truly love about these waffles is the depth the black sesame adds to set them apart from any ordinary waffle.
MAKES: 10 WAFFLES
BLACK SESAME PASTE: • 100g (1 cup) black sesame seeds (not roasted)* • 80ml vegetable oil or other neutral oil • 30ml agave syrup
WAFFLE BATTER: • 260g (2 cups) all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • ½ tsp teaspoon salt • 170g (6oz) plain coconut or almond milk yogurt • 180ml dairy-free milk (experiement with coconut, soya, almond, etc) • 100ml water • 80ml neutral oil, palm oil shortening or other vegan shortening for the waffle iron
PEANUT SUGAR GARNISH (OPTIONAL): • 20g roasted unsalted peanuts • 10g light brown sugar • pinch of salt
To make the Waffles:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth. Add the Black Sesame Paste and whisk again until thoroughly combined and the batter is grey. The waffle batter is ready to use immediately. For a darker waffle with stronger sesame notes, refrigerate overnight in a sealed container before serving. Cook according to the instructions for your waffle maker, brushing with vegan shortening between each batch.
To make the Black Sesame Paste:
Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sesame seeds and spread them into a thin layer. Toast for 8-10 minutes until aromatic but not burnt, stirring frequently and shaking the pan as needed. To know when they are ready, grab a few sesame seeds and rub them between your fingers. If the seeds crumble between your fingers, then they are ready. While still hot, transfer the sesame seeds to a coffee grinder. Process for 2 minutes or so, making sure all the sesame seeds are pulverized into a fine powder. The powder will have a visible oiliness to it. Scrape any unground seeds down from the sides as needed and briefly grind again. Transfer the black sesame seed powder to a small bowl and add oil and agave. Stir to combine until smooth and silky. It will be used in the waffle batter.
To make the Peanut Sugar garnish: In a dry skillet, toast the peanuts until they begin to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a mortar with a pestle or a coffee grinder along with the sugar and salt and pulverize into a coarse powder. It’s ok to have a few small chunks of peanut. In either case, avoid over-grinding the mixture as it will start to become peanut butter.
NOTES
Advance preparation:
If you prepare the batter in advance and store in the fridge, the color from the black sesame will set and your batter and waffles will be darker. Add warm water, 1tsp at a time, to loosen the batter if it thickens too much after refrigeration. Kept refrigerated in a sealed container the waffle batter will last for up to 5 days.
Black sesame seeds:
Do not purchase the roasted type. The raw black sesame seeds are available from natural food stores and Asian supermarkets. Try to purchase them in small batches and store them in the freezer since they go rancid quickly.
MORE INSPIRATION
EXPLORE Find plenty more recipes at veganmiam.com
