Ah, zucchini. It’s the unsung hero of the veggie world, isn’t it?
Often overshadowed by its flashier cousins—like kale or avocado—zucchini is humble, but oh so versatile. These low-carb zucchini waffles are a revelation, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a bit like finding your favorite sweater in a thrift store.
Whether you’re a keto enthusiast or just zucchini-curious, these waffles are bound to become a staple, much like that catchy tune you can’t stop humming.
Steps
- Grate a medium zucchini until you have a packed cup, then squeeze out the excess liquid using a dish towel or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with one large egg, minced quarter onion, shredded cheddar cheese, panko, and kosher salt.
- Preheat a mini waffle iron and lightly coat it with oil spray once it is hot.
- Place 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture onto the waffle iron and spread it evenly.
- Cook the waffle until the indicator light goes off and the edges are golden brown.
- Keep the cooked waffles warm while you continue the process with the remaining batter, ensuring to reapply oil spray as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, grated to yield 1 packed cup (excess liquid squeezed out)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 of a medium onion, minced
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheddar (such as Violife)
- Panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free option)
- Kosher salt, for seasoning
Nutritional Values
Calories: 300 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 216 mg | Sodium: 850 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- Are zucchini waffles healthy?
- Zucchini is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as manganese and antioxidants. Its high water and fiber content can promote good digestion and may benefit heart health.
- What ingredients are needed for zucchini waffles?
- You will need grated zucchini, a large egg, minced onion, shredded sharp cheddar or dairy-free cheese, panko (or gluten-free panko), and kosher salt.
- Can I make zucchini waffles without a mini waffle iron?
- Yes, you can use a regular-sized waffle maker if you don’t have a mini one, or you can try making savory zucchini pancakes instead.
- What are some variations for zucchini waffles?
- You can use yellow squash instead of zucchini, substitute cheddar with parmesan, feta, or mozzarella, use shallots or red onion, add fresh herbs like chives or dill, and season with spices such as garlic powder or paprika.
- How should I store leftover zucchini waffles?
- Store leftover waffles in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster.
Tips
- Ensure you thoroughly squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated zucchini using a dish towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as parmesan, mozzarella, or feta, to change the flavor profile of your waffles.
- If you don’t have a mini waffle iron, you can use a regular-sized one. Just be sure to adjust the amount of batter accordingly to avoid overflow.
- Consider adding some fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. You can also incorporate spices such as garlic powder or paprika to enhance the taste.
Equipment
- Mini Dash Waffle Iron (or a regular-size waffle maker if you prefer)
- Olive Oil Spray (for non-stick cooking)
