Scallion Cornmeal Waffles
For many alumni, homecoming week at the nation’s H.B.C.U.s — historically Black colleges and universities — culminates with day parties and brunches, where waffles are almost always on the menu. These crispy, savory cornmeal waffles are a weekend must-make and fancier than a pancake stack. They are also the perfect base for berry-jam fried chicken. Use full-fat buttermilk here, and feel free to swap in the oil of your choice. A citrus salad with peanuts and avocado, or crispy tofu, make a lovely accompaniment if you don’t eat meat.
- Total:
- Serves: 3 persons
Ingredients
- 1cup fine white cornmeal
- ½cup all-purpose flour
- 2tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1teaspoon baking powder
- ¼teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- ¼teaspoon kosher salt
- 2large eggs
- 1 ⅓cups full-fat buttermilk
- 4scallions, trimmed and cut on an angle into 3/4-inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)
- 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
- Berry-Jam Fried Chicken (optional), maple syrup, powdered sugar, berry jam and butter, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, red-pepper flakes and salt and whisk well.Step 2
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs well, then stir in the buttermilk, scallions and olive oil. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and whisk to combine.Step 3
Heat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and coat the iron with nonstick spray as needed. (Some waffle irons are nonstick and might not need to be sprayed or brushed with fat.) Ladle in about 3/4 cup of batter and heat until cooked through. Waffle doneness is similar to toast: For waffles with more than a few toppings and protein, cook until golden.Step 4
Transfer cooked waffles to a large baking sheet. (The waffles can be made ahead, cooled and stored in the freezer. You can reheat them in the oven at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.)Step 5
Top warm waffles with a piece of fried chicken or crispy tofu, if you like, along with maple syrup. Using a tea strainer, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Using a small melon baller, top with a scoop of berry jam and butter.