Pandan waffles, also known as Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa, are a popular street food in Southeast Asia. If you’ve never had one, you’re missing out!
These waffles get their bright green color and unique flavor from pandan leaves, a common ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking. The waffles themselves are typically crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, with a distinct pandan and coconut flavor.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of pandan waffles, the ingredients you’ll need to make them, step-by-step instructions for preparing them, some variations on the classic recipe, and serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delicious treat to the fullest. Get ready to find your new favorite pandan waffle recipes!
What are Pandan Waffles?
Pandan waffles are waffles flavored with pandan leaves. Pandan is a fragrant plant used in lots of Southeast Asian cooking. You’ll often find pandan waffles as a street food in Vietnam and other nearby countries.
Pandan has a flavor all its own. Some people say it’s a mix of vanilla and freshly cut grass. It’s not an unpleasant taste, but it may take some getting used to. When you cook it into waffles, it makes them crispy on the outside and soft and chewy inside.
Pandan waffles are becoming popular in Western countries, too. Some Vietnamese restaurants are serving them with coconut ice cream.
Understanding Pandan: The Key Ingredient
Pandan is what makes these waffles taste so amazing. Let’s take a closer look at this star ingredient:
What is Pandan?
Pandan leaves are long, slender, green leaves that are naturally sweet and fragrant. Their aroma is often described as a mix of vanilla, almond, and freshly mown grass.
You can use pandan in a few different forms when you’re cooking:
- Fresh pandan leaves: These are often used to infuse flavor into dishes.
- Pandan extract and pandan paste: These are common alternatives to fresh leaves.
Making Homemade Pandan Extract
If you want the most authentic and intense pandan flavor, consider making your own extract. Plus, you’ll have complete control over the ingredients and can avoid artificial additives.
Here’s how to do it:
- Blanch your pandan leaves.
- Blend the blanched leaves with water to create pandan juice. For best results, use 10 to 12 pandan leaves and ½ cup of water.
Essential Ingredients for Pandan Waffles
Ready to try your hand at making pandan waffles? Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need.
Flour Combination for Optimal Texture
The type of flour you use plays a big role in the waffle’s final texture. Here’s what to consider:
- Rice flour (¼ cup/30 grams): This will give your waffle that satisfying crispy texture.
- Tapioca starch (1 ⅛ cup/140 grams): For a chewy interior, tapioca starch is key.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup/40 grams): This adds structure and keeps the waffle light.
- Corn starch: You can use corn starch to boost the crispiness of your waffle.
- Sweet rice flour (mochi flour): If you want an extra chewy texture, add a bit of sweet rice flour.
Liquids and Sweeteners
Liquids and sweeteners will add moisture and flavor to your waffles.
- Coconut milk (¾ cup/190 grams): This adds richness and complements the pandan flavor perfectly.
- Sugar (½ cup/100 grams): This provides sweetness and helps the waffle brown nicely.
Other Important Ingredients
Here are a few more ingredients to round out your pandan waffle recipe:
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon/5 grams): This is your leavening agent, which keeps the waffles light and airy.
- Egg: An egg helps to bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vegetable shortening: A little vegetable shortening can help make the waffles extra crispy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pandan Waffles
Ready to try your hand at making these fragrant, delicious waffles? Here’s how to do it.
Preparing the Batter
- Mix the dry ingredients. Sifting the flours will give you a smoother batter. In a bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, egg, and pandan extract until everything is well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until they’re just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Rest the batter. For the best flavor and texture, chill the batter for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour.
Cooking the Waffles
- Prepare the waffle iron. Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray to keep the waffles from sticking.
- Cook. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using about 2/3 cup of batter for each waffle. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time, depending on your waffle iron.
- Remove and serve. Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve right away for the best texture.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pandan Waffles
Want to take your pandan waffle game to the next level? Here are some things I’ve learned over the years:
- Getting the texture right: Play around with different flour ratios until you get the exact texture you’re looking for. For a fluffier interior, try cooking your waffles at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
- Preventing sticking: Cooking spray is your best friend! Make sure you grease your waffle iron well before pouring in the batter. Also, be sure to preheat the iron thoroughly.
- Enhancing the pandan flavor: If you can get your hands on real pandan leaves, use them! It makes a huge difference. If not, a good quality pandan extract will also work. You can adjust the amount to get the flavor intensity you prefer.
- Batter consistency: Be careful not to overmix your batter. A few lumps are okay! Also, give the batter a good whisk right before you use it, as the ingredients can sometimes settle.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Want to experiment with your pandan waffles? Here are a few ideas:
- Ube waffles: Mix in ube extract or mashed ube for a vibrant purple color and a slightly different flavor profile.
Once your waffles are cooked, the fun really begins. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Keep it simple with butter and a drizzle of condensed milk.
- Add a scoop of ice cream. Coconut ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the pandan flavor beautifully.
- Try honey, coconut flakes, and fresh fruit.
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and enjoy!
Storing and Reheating Pandan Waffles
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your pandan waffles to keep them fresh.
- Storing cooked waffles: Put them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating waffles: The best way to reheat your waffles is in a toaster oven or regular oven. This will help them regain some of their crispness. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy.
- Storing batter: You can store uncooked batter in the fridge for 5-7 days, as long as it’s in an airtight container.
Summary
Pandan waffles offer a unique and delicious twist on a breakfast and brunch favorite. The key to success lies in using high-quality ingredients and carefully following the recipe.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature pandan waffle masterpiece. Try serving them with coconut whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes offer a chance to experience the taste of Southeast Asia and enjoy the satisfying deliciousness of homemade pandan waffles.