CORNMEAL WAFFLES WITH SMOKED SALMON

Cornmeal Waffles With Smoked Salmon image

A touch of fine cornmeal in the batter gives these waffles a delicious crispness. For a savory approach, they are embellished with smoked salmon, crème fraîche and caviar, perfect for a celebratory soiree, midnight supper or brunch. Serve a whole waffle or cut in quarters for appetizers. If you don't have a waffle iron, the batter can also be used to make pancakes or blini. Of course, if preferred, serve these corn-perfumed waffles with sweet toppings instead.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories brunch, pancakes, appetizer, main course

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings as a main course servings, 12 as an appetizer

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

3 cups/380 grams all-purpose flour
1/2 cup/90 grams fine cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 1/2 cups/840 milliliters buttermilk
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup/120 milliliters melted butter
1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
8 ounces smoked salmon (about 6 large slices), chilled
4 ounces salmon roe, trout roe or other caviar (about 6 tablespoons)
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
1/4 cup roughly chopped dill
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk in buttermilk, eggs and butter. Beat briefly to produce a thick batter. Set aside at room temperature.
Prepare the condiments: Stir together crème fraîche and lemon zest, and transfer to a serving dish. On a platter, arrange the smoked salmon, caviar, chives and dill.
Heat the waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. When hot, ladle in a scant cup of batter. (This amount is for a round waffle with a 7-inch diameter. Adjust quantities for irons of other sizes.) Close the iron, and bake each waffle for 4 to 5 minutes, until well browned and quite crisp. You may hold waffles uncovered on a baking sheet in a 250-degree oven, for up to 20 minutes.
To serve, lay a slice of smoked salmon in the center of each waffle. Top with a good dollop of crème fraîche and a heaped teaspoon of caviar. Sprinkle with chives, dill and a bit of black pepper. (To serve as appetizers, assemble a platter in the kitchen: Cut waffles in quarters or wedges, and top each with a small piece of salmon, a dab of créme fraîche and some caviar. Garnish with herbs and pepper.)

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 650, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 910 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 1 gram