ZUCCHINI-BASIL CHICKPEA WAFFLES W/ TOMATO + SHAVED FENNEL SALAD

i really love using chickpea flour mainly for its unique flavor, but also because it's an
awesome source of protein, carbs, vitamins, and fiber - something i don't generally think of when i eat waffles, so i wanted that to change!  here, i added zucchini to the batter, because i still have a bunch leftover from last weekend, along with some fresh basil, leftover fennel fronds, and a healthy amount of garlic.  i topped them with a simple tomato and shaved fennel salad just to lighten it up and add some crunch.  these waffles can certainly be adapted to your liking and can be served with just about anything : ) 

ZUCCHINI-BASIL CHICKPEA WAFFLES W/ TOMATO + SHAVED FENNEL SALAD

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups garbanzo bean flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 free range eggs
• 1 zucchini, grated using the course holes on a box grater
• 1 cup + 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fennel fronds 
• 1 clove garlic, smashed and minced

tomato + shaved fennel salad

• 2-3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced 
• 1 small fennel bulb, shaved on a mandolin or sliced thin
• dozen whole small basil leaves 
• a couple sprigs fennel fronds, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt + pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

tomato + fennel salad

• place tomato, fennel, basil, and fronds in a medium bowl and season with salt + pepper.  in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and oil until fully incorporated.  a little at a time, add lemon and oil mix over the salad, taste and adjust seasonings.  set aside

chickpea waffles

• in a large bowl, combine garbanzo bean flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.  in another large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, zucchini, almond milk, olive oil, garlic, basil, and chopped fronds
• at this point, heat your waffle maker on medium-high (my waffle maker has a heat setting from 1-5 - 1 being the lowest - so i turn mine to about a 4 1/2)
• prepare a baking sheet with parchment and preheat oven to warm or 200°.  mix the wet ingredients into the dry, and combine until fully mixed.  once your waffle iron reaches desired heat, spoon about 3 tablespoons worth of batter onto your iron and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.  transfer waffle to baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm.  repeat with remaining batter
• remove waffles from oven and top with tomato + fennel salad, garnish with extra fennel fronds or leftover basil

enjoy!

http://www.dollyandoatmeal.com/blog/2014/9/8/zucchini-basil-chickpea-waffles-w-tomato-shaved-fennel-salad