Zucchini Waffle Recipe – Indian Gram Flour & Spice Fritters

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Zucchini Waffle Recipe – Indian Gram Flour & Spice Fritters

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a fun twist on traditional Indian snacks, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a favourite in my house. These zucchini waffles are crispy, flavourful, and surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even as a side dish with your favourite Indian meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average waffles! We’re taking the goodness of grated zucchini and blending it with the hearty flavour of gram flour (besan) and a beautiful blend of Indian spices. The result? A light, crispy, and incredibly tasty waffle that’s packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious now.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing zucchini waffles:

• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons grated garlic
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can really elevate this recipe.

Gram Flour (Besan): This is the star of the show! Gram flour is made from ground chickpeas and is a staple in Indian cooking. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein and gives these waffles a lovely texture. You can usually find it in Indian grocery stores or the international aisle of larger supermarkets.

Spice Blend: Feel free to play around with the spices! This blend is a good starting point, but you can adjust it to your liking. Some people like to add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for extra flavour, or a little coriander powder for freshness. Regional variations are huge – in some parts of India, you’ll find similar fritters with a stronger emphasis on green chilies or different spice combinations.

Zucchini: Zucchini is best when it’s in season (summer and early fall), but you can find it year-round these days. It’s a wonderfully versatile vegetable, packed with vitamins and low in calories. Don’t worry about peeling it – the skin adds extra nutrients and a bit of texture!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, combine the grated zucchini, chopped onions, gram flour, grated ginger, grated garlic, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, garam masala powder, lemon juice, and ½ cup of water in a mixing bowl.
2. Now, whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter. If it seems too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. It should be pourable but not too runny.
3. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease it with a little oil – this will prevent the waffles from sticking.
4. Pour about 4-5 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the preheated waffle iron. Spread it out a little if needed.
5. Cook the waffles according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually until they’re crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter! A little bit of lumpiness is okay.
• Make sure your waffle iron is hot before you start cooking.
• If your waffles are sticking, try greasing the iron a little more generously.
• For extra flavour, you can add a handful of chopped cilantro or mint to the batter.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just ensure the oil you use for cooking is plant-based.

Gluten-Free Confirmation: Absolutely gluten-free! Gram flour is a naturally gluten-free flour.

Spice Level Adjustment:
* Mild: Reduce the red chili powder to ½ teaspoon or omit it altogether.
* Medium: Stick with the 1 teaspoon of red chili powder.
* Hot: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of red chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptation: These are amazing during festivals like Janmashtami and Navratri, when many people fast and look for savoury, vegetarian options. They’re light, flavourful, and perfect for breaking a fast! My grandmother used to make a similar version during Navratri.

Serving Suggestions

These zucchini waffles are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a little something on the side. Here are a few of my favourite ways to serve them:

• A dollop of plain yogurt
• Your favourite chutney (mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or mango chutney all work well)
• A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette

Storage Instructions

These waffles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or a dry skillet until they’re crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can! The batter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using.

What is the best way to grate the zucchini?

A box grater works perfectly. Just be careful not to grate your fingers!

Can I use a different type of flour instead of gram flour?

While gram flour gives these waffles their unique flavour and texture, you could try using rice flour or chickpea flour as a substitute. However, the texture might be slightly different.

What chutneys pair well with these waffles?

So many! Mint-coriander chutney is a classic choice, but tamarind chutney and mango chutney also work beautifully.

How can I adjust the crispiness of the waffles?

Cooking them for a little longer will make them crispier. You can also try using a little less water in the batter.