Whole30 Savory Parsnip Waffles
If you're a morning-time batter-eater, a clean diet may be a difficult change. Until you discover that the batter for your beloved waffles can be made savory, and can be completely comprised of vegetables. This is partially thanks to your waffle maker as well, which is a more versatile tool than you realize—there are many unexpected things you can "waffle" and turn into a crispy round breakfast food. This version uses parsnips for their mild flavor and firm texture, but you can use other root and cruciferous vegetables, too, like sweet potatoes, carrots, and even cauliflower.
Using vegetables instead of grain flours in your waffles will make them paleo and even Whole30-compliant (this recipe happens to be keto, too). In order to get through a cleanse like whole30, where for 30 days you avoid all processed foods, dairy, grains, legumes, alcoholic drinks, and sugar, you need to allow yourself some familiar food formats and satisfying textures. You're more likely to see the cleanse through if you don't feel deprived of every comforting aspect of food. The whole30 diet philosophy advises against recreating "junk food" from technically compliant ingredients. But we can all agree that there are worse things you could be putting in your body than freshly grated vegetables crisped up in a waffle maker.
These waffles also work as a quick dinner. Just serve them with a dollop of hummus or a fried egg. It's like you're making healthier vegetables fritters, and you can dip into any number of creamy things. If you want to get truly creative, turn them into a side dish by smothering them in bolognese sauce or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Makes 2 waffles
Ingredients
1 lb parsnips, peeled and grated
2 eggs
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Hot sauce, for serving
How to Make It
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour half of the mixture into a preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve waffles hot with hot sauce, if desired.
