Barley, which can be used to make whole grain waffles.
Whole Waffles are waffles that include whole grain ingredients instead of or in addition to white flour in a recipe. These ingredients include wheat flour, flaxseed, rolled oats, oatmeal, oat bran and wheat germ. Some cooks make whole grain waffles instead of white flour waffles because whole grains provide fiber that aids digestion and sometimes satisfies hunger longer than enriched flour. These nutritious additions can also give waffles a nutty flavor that many find desirable.
Oatmeal, which can be used to make whole grain waffles.
Making whole grain waffles can be as simple as replacing the white flour in the recipe with all-purpose flour or oatmeal. Those using all-purpose flour can skip the white flour entirely for a very heavy, dense waffle or substitute half to three-quarters of the white flour for a lighter version. Oatmeal can make waffles a little denser, but it’s usually lighter and a little less noticeable than all-purpose flour. You can buy ground oats or make them at home by adding rolled or steel cut oats into a food processor or coffee grinder.
Wheat germ can be used in whole grain waffles.
Cooks who don’t want to substitute white flour in their waffle recipe can still make whole wheat waffles. Simply replacing a bit of white flour with a tablespoon of whole grain oats usually does the trick. You can also add a good amount of ground flaxseed, wheat germ or oat bran to the recipe. None of these additives should change the way the batter cooks, but they will add subtle facets to the flavor of the waffles, as will fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
Wheat germ can be added to the waffle recipe for added nutrition.
When modifying existing waffle recipes to make whole grain waffles, careful judgment must be used. Too many substitutions can create a thick and sticky batter or a very thin and runny batter, both of which are generally not suitable for waffles, whole grains or others. Gummy crusts can benefit from a little more oil or applesauce if the cook wants to make fat-free, whole-grain waffles. Those with runny dough should try adding a light sprinkle of whole wheat, oatmeal, or other whole grain flour until the dough is the desired consistency.
Fat-free whole grain waffles often contain applesauce.
Many whole grain waffle recipes also include nuts and fruit. Walnuts, almonds, and walnuts often complement and enhance the nutty flavor of whole-grain waffles. Fruits like bananas, apples, and sweet berries also complement whole grains and help hide any itch from an overabundance of flaxseed or wheat germ. Mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin can turn whole-grain waffles into a fall treat.