These vegan Hatch chile onion pakora waffles are a creative and fun twist on the traditional pakoras and gluten free. Enjoy the same crispy and flavorful waffles for brunch or for a snack with chai.
Why these waffles?
These Hatch chile onion pakora waffles will remind you of the South Indian deep fried pakoda(which are crispy) and bajji/North Indian pakora. This has tons of onion like the south Indian pakoda and at the same time the batter for the waffle is similar to the bajji or pakora. This deep fried snack inspired waffle is a great alternative to the traditional clasic as it is easy to prepare and gives the same comfort of crispy pakora and soft bajji/goli bajji/pakora.
No deep frying at all!! These pakora waffles use less oil than traditional deep-fried pakoras, making them a healthier alternative. As a result, this reduces the lingering smell of oil in your kitchen, and therefore the entire cooking process becomes cleaner and more pleasant.
These waffles use Hatch Chile, a special pepper from the Hatch region. Instead of regular Thai chilies, the roasted hot Hatch peppers add a unique smoky and spicy flavor to the waffle. The bites of Hatch pepper gives a wonderful spicy kick which is balanced with onions.
The waffle shape adds a fun and unique presentation to a classic dish, making it great for serving at parties or as a snack. With its crisp exterior and soft interior makes it a crwod pleaser. The mini waffle shape gives a visual appeal and kids love a fun meal rather than the usual presentation.
Further, you can serve this as a snack, appetizer, or as a light meal. Though it is very tasty as such, these waffles could be used in many other ways to make delicious meals, stay tuned! Plus, they are tasty not only when hot, but also when warm or at room temperature making it a perfect anytime snack.
These are gluten free, protein rich, and vegan. Thus they are an ideal choice to serve for people with special diet requirements.
Ingredients to make Hatch chile pakora waffle
Besan or garbanzo flour - gluten free and protein rich, forms the base of the waffle.
Rice flour - This recipe uses gluten free rice flour and not the mochiko rice flour. This gives the crsipy external texture to the waffles.
Salt - gives flavor.
Oil and oil spray - to cook the waffles
Water - to make the batter
Fennel seeds - adds to the aroma and flavor
Mint and cilantro - these aromatic herbs boosts the aroma and flavor of these pakora waffles.
Onions - This aromatic bulb adds the characteristic flavor of pakoras to the waffles. This recipe uses red onion and they pack a pungent and spicy flavor than yellow or white onions. You may use your preferred onion in the waffle batter.
Hatch chile - Chile from the Hatch region make this waffle a unique one. This recipe uses hot Hatch chile peppers and the seeds are also used. Based on your heat tolerance, adjust the quantity. You may also use a milder chile or remove the seeds.
Kashmiri chili powder - This chili powder doesn't add to the heat much. It gives more vibrant color.
Turmeric - boosts color.
Baking powder - this is the leavening agent for the waffles.
Asafetida - has a pungent flavor and aids in digestion.
Chaat masala - This is optional. Sprinkle a little on top and serve. This spice mix has a pungent, mouth puckering flavor and elevates the waffle experience. If you can't find it near you, you may skip it.
Serving Suggestions
These crisp Hatch chile onion pakora waffles are a wonderful chai time snack. Since these are made with less oil, these are guilt free cravingo'clock snack! These also make a great option for brunch. Make these waffles for special days like Mother's Day or Father's Day and add a protein rich easy to make recipe on your menu.
Not only that, these pakora waffles can be srved as side too. Serve these with sambhar rice, rasam rice, or yogurt rice, or for that matter as a protein rich side with any rice.
You can serve these as such. Kids will love these with ketchup. Spicy masala ketchup goes well with these but keep in mind that this recipe uses hot peppers and you may want to use the ketchup that is in your tolerance level. Green cilantro chutney and yogurt work too.
Storage
The waffles can be stored at room temperature for about 12 hours. I would suggest refrigerating them if not used in a couple of hours such that it has extended shelf-life. When needed, air fry them and serve. They also freeze well.
More Waffle Recipes
I make sweet as well as savory waffles depending on the vibe of a particular day. This spicy waffle is a perfect answer to pakora craving. At the same time, you can try this for yet another avatar of garbanzo waffle, Savory Garbanzo Flour Waffle Chaat.
Have you tried gandana which has a chive flavor? Use that to make Gandana Waffle. You could also try this Hummus Waffle, and you could basically make different flavor profiles based on the hummus you use.
Well, some days call for a sweet breakfast and Coconut Waffles are my go to waffles. During holidays, this Whole Wheat Chocolate Peppermint Waffles is a comforting breakfast.
More Hatch Chile Recipes
Hatch chiles, from the city Hatch, come in different spice levels. Whether they are mild or hot, they add a flavorful twist to any meal. Try these unique and delicious Hatch chile recipes.
Cheesy Hatch Chile Baked Tamale Cups
Fire Roasted Hatch Chile and Corn Soup
Hatch Chile Potato Grilled Cheese
Hatch Chile and Ricotta Sauce Pineapple Pizza
Hatch Chile Onion Pakora Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Garbanzo flour/besan
- ⅓ Cup Rice flour
- 1½ cup Onion thinly sliced and halved
- ½ cup Roasted Hatch chile peeled and chopped
- 1¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 3 tbsp Oil
- ½ cup Water
- ⅛ tsp Asafetida
- ¼ cup Cilantro chopped
- 2-3 tbsp Mint chopped
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- Oil spray
- chaat masala
Instructions
- Add the flour, salt, baking powder, fennel seeds, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, Hatch Chile, onion, mint and cilantro to a bowl. Combine thoroughly.
- Next, add the oil and water. Mix to make the waffle batter.
- Heat a waffle iron. Spray the waffle iron and then add a scoop of the waffle batter.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until it is crisp on golden in color. For extra crispy waffle, cook for longer time. Repeat with the remaining batter spraying with oil generously every time.
- Sprinkle ith chaat masala 9optional). Serve Hatch chile onion pakora waffles hot, warm waffles with ketchup, chutney, or with chai.
More waffle recipes from the group
Wake Up to Waffles
- Cheesy hash brown waffles from Jen Around the World
- Hash Brown Potato Waffles from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Scallion Waffles from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
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Karen's Kitchen Stories says
I love that we all went savory today! Yours sound absolutely wonderful with all of the flavors.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Karen! This is one that we crave for always and a healthy version snack in the form of waffles is a winner.
Christie says
I see myself dipping these into some delicious chutney or even some curry. They look and sound so delicious and packed with unique flavors.