The reason is simple: in the absence of the binding protein of eggs, many an oat flour (or any gluten-free flour) recipe can fall flat, apart, or both.
Protein-rich chickpeas to the rescue! Chickpea liquid (from cans of chickpeas) can be used to mimic egg whites (the magic of aquafaba) in eggless recipes, and chickpea flour (+ water) can replace the structure of whole eggs.
Adding to the list of examples here at Power Hungry is this simple, versatile recipe: Healthy Oat Waffles, which are vegan, gluten-free, easy, and delicious!
The batter is quick, and begins with whole oats. Grind 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats in a food processor until they are a fine flour. Next, whisk the oat flour with 1/2 cup chickpea flour, as well as baking powder, and salt. You can always add sweet spices, like cinnamon or ginger, but I kept the essential recipe just that: essential.
These are waffles do have some oil, which helps them become crisp and, most importantly, prevents them from sticking to the waffle plates. No one needs to clean up stuck-on waffle batter! For that reason, I have not experimented with an oil-free option.
Water, a bit of sweetener (coconut sugar), and vanilla (yes, I consider vanilla essential :)) finishes the smooth, moderatly thick batter.
Next, make the batter in your waffle maker according to the directions, with the heat set to medium-high (the oats need a bit of extra heat to make a browned, crisp-edged waffle).
Breakfast is served!
I love to make waffles ahead of time and then toast them later. You can freeze them, too, so why not make a double, or triple batch!
Gluten-free oat waffles, made vegan with the help of some chickpea flour for structure. Sweetened with coconut sugar and scented with vanilla, they are a delicious new take on classic waffles.
Ingredients
Scale
1 and 1/2 cups (135 g) rolled oats (certified GF, as needed)
In a food processor or high speed blender, process the oats into a fine flour.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, chickpea flour, baking powder and salt. Add the water, oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla, whisking until blended and smooth.
Preheat a standard waffle maker to medium-high heat.
Spray the plates of the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray; ladle or pour in about 1/2 cup (125 mL) batter.
Cook the waffle according to waffle maker directions (for most makers, until a light changes color). The waffles should be a deep golden color (adjust settings as needed).
Keep the waffles warm: You can keep the waffles warm in a 200˚F oven as you prepare all of the waffles.
Storage: Store the completely cooled waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or the freezer for up to 6 months. Rewarm the waffles by toasting (pop-up toaster or toaster oven).
I cook often with chickpeas, could I substitute chickpea puree for the flour and water? The flour would be yet another thing ro store in a small space, and doubtless more expensive as it has been processed. I'm eager to try this recipe, and several others here, but only with your guidance, as I fall flat on my own while experimenting! Many thanks :)
Vickiy
Friday 31st of January 2020
I read the recipe to say 1.5 all chick pea flour but you talk about a combination of oat and chickpea flour. Will you please clarify for me? Thank you, I want to try these!!
Camilla
Friday 31st of January 2020
Sorry about that Vickiy, it was showing my recipe for grain-free waffles (all chickpea flour). I have corrected the problem. Enjoy!
Annika
Monday 21st of October 2019
Hi there, thank you for the recipe. would it still work if I leave out the chickpea flour, the sugar and vegetable oil?
Or maybe use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil? What is its purpose?
Thanks
Camilla
Monday 21st of October 2019
Hi Annika,
The recipe will not work without the flour. You could experiment with other types of flour, but I am not sure how they would work here. The sugar adds flavor, as well as helps the waffles brown. It also makes the waffles more tender. The waffles will still work without it (i.e., come out as waffles), but the flavor and texture will be different.
Yes, you can use coconut oil (any type of neutral vegetable oil works here). Oil adds tenderness to baked goods. You could leave it out, but the waffles will be less tender. This is minimalist, alternative recipe, so there is not a lot of room for leaving things out. But you are always welcome to experiment!
Amy D.
Wednesday 11th of September 2019
Looks tasty and nice and easy. Can I use oat flour (like from Bobs Red Mill) instead of grinding oats? Thx!
I’m Camilla, food writer, author, runner, and spin instructor. PowerHungry® is where I share my easy, minimalist, plant-based recipes, designed for living a healthy, delicious, empowered life.
Karey Kumli
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
I cook often with chickpeas, could I substitute chickpea puree for the flour and water? The flour would be yet another thing ro store in a small space, and doubtless more expensive as it has been processed. I'm eager to try this recipe, and several others here, but only with your guidance, as I fall flat on my own while experimenting! Many thanks :)
Vickiy
Friday 31st of January 2020
I read the recipe to say 1.5 all chick pea flour but you talk about a combination of oat and chickpea flour. Will you please clarify for me? Thank you, I want to try these!!
Camilla
Friday 31st of January 2020
Sorry about that Vickiy, it was showing my recipe for grain-free waffles (all chickpea flour). I have corrected the problem. Enjoy!
Annika
Monday 21st of October 2019
Hi there, thank you for the recipe. would it still work if I leave out the chickpea flour, the sugar and vegetable oil?
Or maybe use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil? What is its purpose? Thanks
Camilla
Monday 21st of October 2019
Hi Annika,
The recipe will not work without the flour. You could experiment with other types of flour, but I am not sure how they would work here. The sugar adds flavor, as well as helps the waffles brown. It also makes the waffles more tender. The waffles will still work without it (i.e., come out as waffles), but the flavor and texture will be different.
Yes, you can use coconut oil (any type of neutral vegetable oil works here). Oil adds tenderness to baked goods. You could leave it out, but the waffles will be less tender. This is minimalist, alternative recipe, so there is not a lot of room for leaving things out. But you are always welcome to experiment!
Amy D.
Wednesday 11th of September 2019
Looks tasty and nice and easy. Can I use oat flour (like from Bobs Red Mill) instead of grinding oats? Thx!
Camilla
Thursday 12th of September 2019
Sure, Amy!