Waffles on display in a Brussels bakery.
The waffle and Brussels go together like fish ‘n’ chips and England, and they are available just about everywhere throughout the country from streets vendors and patisseries.
Along with the humble fry and a profusion of boutique beers, the waffle is one of Belgium’s greatest contributions to the world of gastronomy. Confusingly however, the waffle that is so beloved of Belgians is not the waffle of North American fame. A Belgian waffle is traditionally made of yeast rather than baking powder and is not eaten at the breakfast table but as a tasty sweet snack or dessert, lightly dusted with icing sugar and served with ice cream, honey, chocolate or seasonal berries. What’s more, a batch of waffles can be made at home in around 15 minutes, taking 10 to prepare and just three to cook in a waffle iron.
Here’s a recipe for making traditional waffles Belgian style – although they are usually square or oblong, they can be made in any shape.
Sift flour, yeast and salt. Beat together egg yolks and sugar with a wooden spoon until sugar dissolves and the mixture is pale yellow. Add vanilla extract, melted butter and milk to the mixture and whisk, then combine with the flour mixture and whisk again until blended. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form and gently fold the whites into the waffle batter.
Coat a preheated waffle iron with cooking spray and pour in enough batter to cover the grid. Cook until golden brown (about three minutes) and serve at once with a topping of your choice.
Many of the best Belgian waffles in Brussels can be found around its medieval center, in the backstreets around the Manneken Pis. Le Funambule Whas been selling waffles since 1867 and they come in all guises, covered in cream, chocolate or even banana. The Dandoy tearoom just off the Grote Markt (Grand Place) is also a local institution for its delicious waffles, often served crisp and plain or with a coating of melted chocolate.
Visitors can even learn the art of waffle-making on Brussels cookery courses and sample them on walking tours of the culinary delight of Brussels.
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