Using a sourdough starter in recipes other than sourdough bread, is not only clever, it’s down right tasty. A sour starter provides a hint of tang to almost anything you add it to, including waffles. Waffles sometimes can be a bit texturally tricky without the right mix of ingredients, but adding a sourdough starter instead of instant yeast, better stabilizes waffles, giving them the right lift.
Sourdough Starter is something that needs a little time to prepare, but it’s made with only a few tablespoons of flour and water (click the link for recipe). Creating your own starter is something I think most home cooks should have on hand, and it stores nicely in your refrigerator, until ready to refresh and use in all kinds of recipes, like waffles, pancakes, muffins, cakes and breads. If your not up to preparing your own starter there are sourdough starters you can buy online.
These waffles make mornings a great thing, and I think you’ll especially enjoy the texture – there’s nothing worse than a soggy waffle and you won’t get one here. You can double the recipe for larger families, or for brunch with a group. I piled on fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup, a nice combination on a waffle, but feel free to get creative.
Ingredients
Overnight Sponge
1/2 cup sourdough starter or levain – unfed
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
pinch of salt
Batter
1 large egg
4 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings
blueberries or berries of any kind
butter, room temperature
maple syrup
(Makes 4 Squares or 2 Circular Waffles)
To Prepare:
- In a large bowl, combine all Sponge ingredients and stir until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature to proof overnight.
- In the morning, add Batter ingredients and stir until smooth. Preheat waffle iron and spray lightly with cooking oil, or brush with butter.
- Spoon batter into waffle iron and cook until deep golden brown. Remove and place on wire rack to cool for 3 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with blueberries and warm maple syrup. Enjoy!
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