Crispy, golden veggie waffles made from a spiced pakora-style batter—infused with turmeric, zucchini, and red onion—paired with a cooling yogurt and cilantro raita. This gluten-free, dairy-optional recipe brings together bold flavor and hormone-friendly nourishment in one fun, savory dish.

Perfect for a blood-sugar-balanced brunch, luteal-phase snack, or a comforting light dinner.

Ingredients

Serves 2 (makes ~4 small waffles + ~¾ cup raita)

For the Pakora Waffles:

• ¾ cup chickpea (gram) flour
  
  
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
  
  
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
  
  
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
  
  
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  
  
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  
  
• ½ teaspoon chilli pepper (or to taste)
  
  
• 1 small zucchini, grated (about ¾ cup, excess moisture lightly squeezed out)
  
  
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
  
  
• ½ cup water, added gradually
  
  
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice, a pinch of chili flakes, or minced green chili
  
  
• Avocado oil or olive oil spray, for greasing the waffle iron
  
  

For the Cilantro-Garlic Raita:

• ½ cup plain yogurt (full-fat, 2%, or Greek)
  
  
• 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
  
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  
  
• 1–2 teaspoons lime or lemon juice
  
  
• Pinch of sea salt, to taste
  
  
• Optional: pinch of ground cumin, chaat masala, or minced chili for extra flavor
  
  

Directions

1. Make the Pakora Waffle Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, rice flour, baking powder, salt, turmeric, pepper, and cumin.

Add grated zucchini, red onion, and cilantro, and toss to coat.

Gradually stir in water until the batter is thick but spreadable—similar to pancake batter. Add lemon juice and chili if using. Let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Waffles:

Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high. Grease well with avocado or olive oil spray.

Spoon about ¼–⅓ cup of batter into the center of the waffle iron and spread slightly. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until crispy and golden.

Repeat with remaining batter. Keep waffles warm in a low oven if desired.

3. Make the Raita:

In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro.

Add optional spices or chili for depth. Chill until ready to serve.

4. Plate and Serve:

Serve warm pakora waffles with a generous dollop of cilantro-garlic raita. Garnish with extra herbs or chili flakes if desired.

Nourish Notes

• Chickpea flour is protein- and fiber-rich, helping stabilize blood sugar and support satiety.
  
  
• Zucchini and red onion offer antioxidant and prebiotic support for a healthy gut and hormone metabolism.
  
  
• Cilantro and garlic gently support detox pathways—great during both the follicular and luteal phases.
  
  
• Yogurt brings protein, probiotics, and calcium to support hormone synthesis and mood balance.
  
  

Want it dairy-free? Use a coconut yogurt or cashew-based option in the raita. Egg-free and gluten-free by default.

With Love & Nourishment,

The Nourish Kitchen