Flourless Sweet Potato Waffles & HOT MAPLE CAULIFLOWER BITES

This dairy-free recipe is a meatless and spicy twist on a Southern classic, chicken and waffles. These flourless sweet potato waffles are the easiest and best-tasting gluten-free waffles that the entire family will love. Made in a blender, the waffles are naturally sweetened, thick yet fluffy and airy, and full of sweet potato and oat flavors that pair perfectly with the “meaty” cauliflower bites. To make this dish entirely gluten-free, see the tip below.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

MAKE THE CAULIFLOWER BITES:

Step 2

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 3

2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the water, flour, parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and the mixture has thickened.

Step 4

3. Put the breadcrumbs in a medium-size bowl and place it next to the batter.

Step 5

4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off any excess, then toss it into the breadcrumbs to coat. Place on the prepared sheet pan. Repeat this step until all the cauliflower florets are breaded.

Step 6

5. Bake the cauliflower bites for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown and crunchy looking.

Step 7

6. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Put the maple syrup, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking continuously. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot starch and warm water, mixing until the mixture is smooth and milky.

Step 8

7. Whisk the starch mixture into the sauce until well combined; allow the sauce to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it becomes thick and sticky.

Step 9

8. Once the cauliflower bites are crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower bites into the prepared sauce and toss until they are fully coated. Set aside.

Step 10

MAKE THE WAFFLES:

Step 11

1. Preheat a waffle iron. (If you have the option to choose the temperature, select medium-high—that’s what works perfectly for me!) Preheat the oven to the lowest setting.

Step 12

2. Put the wet ingredients in a high-powered blender, then add the dry ingredients. Note: Putting the ingredients in the blender in this order—starting with wet and ending with dry—allows everything to blend well and become nice and smooth.

Step 13

3. Blend on high speed until the batter is smooth—15 to 20 seconds will do it.

Step 14

4. Grease the preheated waffle iron, then spoon about ½ cup of the batter into the center of the iron. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crisp.5. Transfer the completed waffle to a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat until all the batter is used.

Step 15

6. To serve, stack the waffles (whole or cut), top with cauliflower bites, and, if desired, top with chopped scallions, and/or a drizzle of maple syrup.