Liège Waffle
Background and History
The Liège Waffle is a rich, dense, sweet, and chewy variety of waffle that originated from the city of Liège in eastern Belgium. It is a popular street food, and its unique taste is owed to the pearl sugar embedded within the dough, which caramelizes as it cooks. Unlike the traditional Brussels waffle, the Liège Waffle is made with a brioche-style dough, not a batter. This makes it both distinct in flavor and texture.
The Liège Waffle's history dates back to the 18th century. According to local legend, the Prince-Bishop of Liège requested a chef to make a special pastry with chunks of pearl sugar. The result was this delectable waffle, which has since become a staple in Belgian cuisine.
Ingredients
- Flour - 2 cups
- Milk - 1/3 cup
- Active dry yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Brown Sugar - 1/4 cup
- Eggs - 2 large
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter - 7 tablespoons
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Pearl Sugar - 1 cup
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To begin, warm the milk slightly (just above room temperature). In a large bowl, combine the warm milk with yeast and let it sit until foamy, approximately 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and blend them with vanilla extract.
Add the brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough begins to form.
Next, incorporate the softened butter into the dough, a tablespoon at a time. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Fold in the Pearl Sugar
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and knead in the pearl sugar. Ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the dough to ensure an even caramelization during cooking.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Preheat and Cook
Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Grease it lightly, if necessary. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, shaping each into a ball.
Place one of the dough balls into the waffle iron, closing it gently without squeezing too much.
Cook the waffle until golden brown and caramelized, about 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Monitor the cooking time with a cooking timer to avoid burning.
How to Enjoy Your Liège Waffle
Serve the waffles warm, just as they are, or topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce. Liège Waffles are delightful at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Pair your waffle with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Storing leftovers: Store any extra waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and crisp.