Grain, Dairy, Egg, Nut-Free options

Up until I tried making grain free waffles, I had never attempted to cook with plantains.  Plantains were some magical fried treat I had on holiday in the Caribbean.  I will admit when I saw such simple recipes using them I was a huge skeptic.  How in the world could this work? Let me tell you – it does!

Plantains are available in most large grocery stores, although not local… neither are bananas.  Plantains are usually much larger than a banana. They are also super starchy.  You will see when you handle them that there is a gooey reside on your hands.  That goo is the key to your waffles sticking together and not being a burnt mess in your waffle maker.

Green plantains are not ripe, yellow with some brown spots are, just like a banana.   Peeling plantains can be trickier than a banana.  I chop the tips off and cut a small slit from end to end.  Even still that peel might not want to come off.  You just need to work at it.

Little tip: If you’re making pancakes and your mixture doesn’t stick together, try using it in the waffle maker.  I find the waffle maker to be more forgiving.  You need a thick mixture though, too runny and you will create a nightmare for cleaning your waffle maker.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of ripe plantains  (2 good sized plantains)
• 2 tbsp  coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 4-5 tbsp milk* (Depending on how much you need to get blender mixing, but you want a thick batter.) (* Use seed milk for a nut-free and dairy-free option. Use Almond milk or Cashew milk for only dairy-free.)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat your waffle maker to the highest or second highest setting.  Mine has a non-stick surface so I don’t need to oil it.

This is another “everyone in the blender” recipe.  Gosh I love my blender. Place everything in the blender and use the plunger to push the ingredients down towards the blades if needed.  Blend until it’s totally smooth.  It will be very thick.

Scoop 1/3 into your preheated waffle maker.  This will make 3 waffles with my waffle maker. Some waffle makers are bigger than others, so use your judgement.

These freeze well. Pop in toaster from frozen to reheat.