While March technically marks National Waffle Month (who knew!), we tend to celebrate this traditional breakfast favorite all year long. But gone are the days of wheat and refined sugar as ingredients; we prefer to “healthify” our batch with some simple upgrades!
The best part about this delicious breakfast option is that they can easily be turned into a Paleo-friendly option. “Paleo” might be a nutrition buzz word, but what we really mean by it is more blood sugar balance. Case and point: Paleo flours, which range in price, taste, and nutrients.
Benefits of Paleo Flours
Paleo flours are so versatile, and can really transform any traditional wheat flour recipe to a paleo-friendly dish in no time. “Paleo flours can be used to make waffles, pancakes, muffins, breads, and other baked goods. You can also make a pizza crust or quiche with paleo flour. Coconut, almond, tiger nut, cassava, tapioca starch, and arrowroot are all paleo-friendly flours.” explains Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, LDN, registered dietitian at Lainey Younkin Nutrition.
If you are thinking that you are missing out on key nutrients by switching flours think again. Jamie Blume Founder, Along Their Way says “Sprouted almond flour, made from ground almonds, is naturally gluten free and rich in nutrients. It is particularly high in vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant, preventing damage from free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals increase our risk of disease and accelerate the aging process.”
Jamie points out that sprouted almond flour is also high in magnesium, a mineral that has a number of health benefits. One major benefit is its ability to regulate blood sugar. Sprouted almond flour is low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats and fiber, and lower in phytic acid than wheat flour. Note: Phytic Acid is an anti-nutrient that leads to poor nutrient absorption.
Paleo Friendly Waffle Recipes
If you are looking to give your waffles a boost of nutritional value, Lainey suggests “adding chia or flax to muffins, waffles, pancakes, and other baked goods is a simple way to boost fiber, protein, and healthy fat. Chia and flax are paleo-friendly and packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.”
Danielle Pashko founder of Pashko Wellness whips up the recipe below in honor of national waffle month! She likes almond flour because it is gluten free, wheat free and low in carbohydrates. It’s one of her favorites because most of her clients avoid or eat limited gluten and are weight conscious. This flour also works well following a paleo or keto diet.
Paleo Waffles
Ingredients:
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1 cup almond flour
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1/3 cup cassava flour
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1/4 cup coconut sugar
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp sea salt
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3 eggs, beaten
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk (you can use vanilla)
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, cassava flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and sea salt.
In a separate medium bowl, beat together the eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour mixture and beat until a batter is formed.
Spray a waffle maker with coconut oil spray, and divide batter evenly. Cook according to waffle maker’s settings.
More delicious paleo waffle recipes to try:
Grain Free, Dairy Free Waffles
