The amazing backstory of waffles you didn’t know about
Do you love to start your day by gorging on some freshly made waffles along with maple syrup or melted butter? You are not at all alone. Welcome to the club of universal waffle lovers. Go, order some for yourself and as you wait for them to arrive, we will take you through their journey, from the origin to being a popular American breakfast in the modern times.
Waffles were born in ancient Greece
Believe it or not, this crispy and crunchy treat that gives pancakes a good fight any day as the world’s most popular breakfast, was born in ancient Greece. However, there are some sources which suggest that waffles go further back into history, existing some 4000 years ago during the Neolithic or Stone Age. In fact, culinary historians often consider it as one of world’s oldest desserts that acted as a form of rustic hotcake, made out of cereal pulps and cooked by flipping both sides on heated stones.
Okay, so how did it all start? It turns out that the original waffle was nothing like the waffle we know today. It neither had the grid nor the add-ons such as maple syrup or melted butter. In fact, ancient waffle was a variant of flat cakes and was just toasted on both sides (in between two metal plates), unlike baked or fried using waffle iron like now. However, back then too, it was made out of a cereal-based batter. The surprising part is that it had a different name altogether during those times: ‘obelio.’ Also, you will be intrigued to know that it wasn’t even sweet to begin with. It was rather savoury and was flavoured with cheese and herbs.
A church food in medieval Europe
It was in the medieval times (Middle Age) that the waffles spread from Greece to other parts of Europe. It especially became popular in Catholic circles as it became a kind of staple communion food offered to followers after each service. In fact, Catholics believed that these offerings were blessings from Christ himself. What’s even more interesting is that the waffles were made to feature Biblical scenes, crosses and other religious symbols. Especially served after meals, they denoted final blessings. Soon these waffles (called ‘oublies’) underwent change in designs and even featured pagan ideas such as family crests, landscapes and other creative decorations.
Turns out, ‘oublies’ were not just restricted in Catholic circles but reached all parts of Europe. Later, it was realised why it had become so popular among people: The recipe comprised of all readily available ingredients such as flour, water, milk and eggs. Now, here’s something you may not have guessed. The flat, unleavened cake made out of this mixture wasn’t called waffle. Instead, it was known as wafer. In fact, it came to be known as the food that was relished equally by peasants as well as kings. During this time, metal plates were replaced by iron ones with long handles and the treat was made with open fire. Over time, when other ingredients were added to wafer, such as cream, it became both thicker and doughier. In fact, it was around this time only, that wafer turned into ‘waffle,’ the name which has stayed till date. Interestingly, the French called it ‘gaufre’ and the first ever waffle recipe was published in an anonymous French manuscript called Le Menagier de Paris. It was supposedly meant to be a set of instructions from a husband to his wife.
The Belgian and Dutch touch to waffles
The evolution of modern-day waffles owes a lot to two European countries, Belgium and Netherlands. In fact, the Dutch ‘wafelers’ or Belgian ‘wafelijzers’ (that’s what waffle makers were called) replaced the circular plates with rectangular ones as we know today. Do you know why the grid pattern was also introduced around the same time? The makers realised that that due to the rectangular grid pattern, less amount of batter was needed, that was spread over a greater surface area. In fact, it was perfect for feeding the poor during bread shortages. Who knew then that it would turn out to be the forerunner of today’s waffle design! You may find it interesting to note that the second ‘f’ in waffles (from Dutch ‘wafles’ or Old French ‘’wafla’ meaning ‘a piece of honeybee hive’) didn’t exist until the British added it in the early 18th century when they chanced upon the recipe while attempting to colonise the Nordic nations.
The staple American breakfast
As we all know waffles are a staple American breakfast. In fact, it wasn’t until the delicacy had reached the USA that it had gained its global popularity. Okay, so how did waffles travel from Europe to America? It was through the pilgrims in 1620. But it wasn’t until 1789 that USA learnt what a waffle iron was. In that year, Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the US, brought the first long-handled waffle iron to the USA. Exactly 80 years later, a Dutch-American called Cornelius Swarthout was even granted a patent for the first ever modern-day waffle iron. The day on which the patent was granted, 24th August is now regarded as the National Waffle Day in the USA. Interestingly, maple syrup got paired with waffles only after they reached America.