Golden Spinach & Feta Waffles with Crispy Sumac Chickpeas & Whipped Garlic-Herb Yogurt

Move over, sweet waffles – it's time for a savory takeover! These Golden Spinach & Feta Waffles offer a crispy, fluffy canvas bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Topped with crunchy sumac-spiced chickpeas and a luxurious whipped garlic-herb yogurt, this unique recipe transforms brunch or dinner into an exciting, wholesome culinary adventure.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• FOR THE WAFFLES:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• FOR THE CRISPY SUMAC CHICKPEAS:
• 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and thoroughly dried
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground sumac
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• FOR THE WHIPPED GARLIC-HERB YOGURT:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. 1. **Prepare the Waffle Batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. In a separate medium bowl, whisk milk, Greek yogurt, eggs, and olive oil until smooth.
2. 2. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix (a few lumps are okay). Fold in the finely chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
3. 3. **Cook the Waffles:** Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly grease if necessary. Pour about ½ cup of batter onto the hot iron (or as much as needed for your specific iron) and cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 4-6 minutes.
4. 4. **Make Crispy Chickpeas:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss dried chickpeas with olive oil, sumac, garlic powder, and salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. 5. **Prepare Whipped Yogurt:** While waffles and chickpeas cook, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to whip the mixture for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
6. 6. **Assemble the Dish:** Place one or two warm waffles on each plate. Top generously with a dollop of the whipped garlic-herb yogurt.
7. 7. **Garnish:** Sprinkle a hearty portion of the crispy sumac chickpeas over the yogurt and waffles.
8. 8. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your Golden Spinach & Feta Waffles as a delightful brunch or a wholesome dinner.

Chef's Note

For extra crispy waffles, ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated and don't overcrowd it. Cook until golden brown and steam production significantly reduces. If making ahead, briefly toast the waffles to revive their crispness.

Make-Ahead Tips

The waffle batter can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Crispy chickpeas can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch.

Substitutions

Spinach can be swapped for finely chopped kale or Swiss chard. Feta can be replaced with goat cheese or ricotta salata. For the chickpeas, white beans or even roasted lentils can be used for the crispy topping. Any plain yogurt works for the whipped topping, but full-fat Greek yogurt or labneh will yield the best creamy texture.