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In a world increasingly focused on healthy eating, finding nutritious and delicious meal options can be a challenge. Enter the protein-packed zucchini waffle—a versatile dish that blends the wholesome goodness of zucchini with the satisfying crunch of waffles. These delightful creations are not only rich in protein but also cater to various dietary preferences, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to elevate their meals without compromising on taste or health.

Protein-Packed Zucchini Waffles

Discover a delicious and nutritious twist on breakfast with protein-packed zucchini waffles. These light and flavorful waffles blend zucchini's health benefits with high-protein ingredients like cottage cheese and eggs, making them perfect for any meal or snack. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite herbs and spices, they offer a delightful option for those looking to elevate their healthy eating game. Try this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, grated and excess moisture thoroughly squeezed out

1 cup rolled oats (substitute with oat flour for a gluten-free option)

1/2 cup cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)

3 large eggs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a nut-based dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or basil)

Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the waffle iron)

Instructions
 

Prep the Zucchini: Start by rinsing the zucchinis under cold water. Using a box grater or a food processor, grate them into a large bowl. Transfer the grated zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and twist it tightly to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is essential to ensure your waffles are not soggy.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats (or oat flour), baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten, then add in the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

        Incorporate Zucchini and Herbs: Fold the drained zucchini and chopped fresh herbs into the wet mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are well incorporated.

          Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser waffles.

            Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Lightly coat the iron with olive oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

              Cook the Waffles: Pour about 1/2 cup of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, spreading it out to cover the cooking surface. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your specific waffle iron.

                Serve Them Up: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and place them on a cooling rack to keep them crispy. Continue this process with the remaining batter.

                  Enjoy: Serve the zucchini waffles warm, topped with your favorite accompaniments such as sliced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a refreshing touch, serve alongside a small bowl of mixed berries or a light garden salad.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4