Is your waffle iron collecting dust on a shelf in your kitchen? Can you even remember the last time you used yours? I use my waffle iron all the time, and not just for making waffles.
My waffle iron is actually a back-up to the grill. Yes, my waffle iron. Not sure how I started using my waffle iron for grilling, but without a panini grill or electric fry pan, my waffle iron was staring me in the face one day, and now it’s my preferred way to grill indoors.
From portobello mushrooms to thin slices of zucchini and even lettuce, the grilling possibilities are endless.
People have been using waffle irons for more than 100 years, when General Electric created a patent in 1911 for an electric waffle iron. Of course, we all know the story of Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman, who used his wife’s waffle iron to experiment with the idea of making a “waffle-ironed” rubber sole on a sneaker. The rest is history.
And for the record, I only cook food on my waffle iron.
Here are my top tips for enhancing the use of your waffle iron.
How to Successfully Grill Veggies:
For Lettuce:
Ingredients:
- Small head of romaine lettuce
- Juice of one lemon
Method:
Slice the lettuce lengthwise, and cut off the bottom of the stem. Place the lettuce flat side down on a high and well-heated waffle iron (I use a Teflon® grill). Pour the lemon juice all over the lettuce halves, and close the top of the waffle iron.
Because lettuce has a high water content, it will steam beautifully and keep your cooking surface from drying out. The lettuce will be ready when you grill top is less hinged, it should take between 5 and 7 minutes to grill.
For Portobello:
Ingredients:
- One large portobello mushroom
- Juice of one lemon
Method:
I like to remove the gills from the underbelly of the mushroom. Place the mushroom bottom side down on your waffle iron and generously pour lemon juice all over the mushroom. Again, high heat works the best. You can tell the mushroom is done when the mushroom is nice and flat, and square grill marks appear.
Tip: I season any vegetables when they are done, as sometimes some spices will stick to the grill and make it difficult to open (especially garlic powder).
Beyond the Vegetable—Practical Uses for Your Waffle Iron:
- Grilled fruit is the best! I like pineapple wedges, watermelon, cherries, strawberries…the list is long. Bananas are also awesome! Grilling brings out the sweetness of any fruit, meaning you never need to add sugar, but your sweet tooth will be happy.
- Quesadilla maker. Who cares if your Tex-Mex dish has little squares in it? Guess what? Salsa will find a home in any square once you pour some over your finished product.
- Heated tortillas. Sprinkle some water on your tortilla (one at a time), then close the top using medium heat. They will be perfect for making wraps and burritos!
- Baked potato wedges. Thick slices actually work best. Use an already baked potato and cut into very thick slices. They will brown beautifully in your high-heat waffle iron.
- Polenta rounds. I like to buy a chub of ready-made polenta. Slice the polenta into one inch rounds, and place on your waffle iron. Cook for 3–5 minutes. My perfectly quick and fast breakfast is polenta with fruit and maple syrup.
My point is that your waffle iron can be your best friend in a hot kitchen, but you’ll stay cool creating fun, easy dishes. And, the cleanup is a breeze.
While I do not eat cheese, let me say that many people say that the best grilled cheese comes from making it in a waffle iron.
From waffles to waffled potatoes and sandwiches, let your waffle iron become a mainstay in your kitchen.
How have you used your waffle iron in making dinner?
- Waffle Iron Photo Credit: Mary Bigham
- Portobello Photo Credit: Inspired Taste
- Romaine Lettuce Photo Credit: Healthy Foods
- Waffle Iron Collage: JillWillRun/Flickr
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