🇫🇷 French Cuisine · Street Food

Gaufre de Liège

Prep

20 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

6

Difficulty

Medium

A caramelized yeasted Belgian-style waffle studded with pearl sugar, eaten warm from a street iron.

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken thighs
  • 400g baguette
  • 2 tbsp sliced leeks
  • 2 tsp grated nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • a generous handful of button mushrooms
  • a handful of fresh chives, chopped
  • Dijon mustard, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the brioche base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the pork lardons, shallots, minced garlic, and fresh thyme, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat unsalted butter in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the brioche until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the pork lardons mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the brioche with the filling, a spoonful of cognac, and a scattering of chervil.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of unsalted butter for extra flavor and texture.

Tips

Double the cognac so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Keep the unsalted butter hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.