Green Chile Cheddar Waffle Tostadas

I recently became the proud owner of a 10-lb bag of homemade roasted hatch green chiles. I always seem to leave from a visit at my parents house with something delicious, and this was no exception. The second they were in my possession I began to brainstorm recipes for these perfectly smoky chiles. Chile relleno, enchiladas, and salsa verde were the first ideas to pop in my head, but that wasn't what I had in mind. And then it hit me. This recipe. These green chile cheddar waffled were exactly what I envisioned for these babies. Then I got the crazy notion to top with with non other than some homemade chili. Double win. Wash these down with a cold beer and you can thank me later. You're welcome.

Green Chile Cheddar Waffles

• 1 cup corn meal
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted hatch green chiles
• non-stick cooking spray

Turkey Chili

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 chipotle in adobo, minced
• 1 cup beer or broth of your choice
• salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• sour cream
• shredded cheese
• sliced green onions
• black olives
• guacamole

Prepare the chili by preheating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking the turkey up with a spoon until no pink remains. Once the turkey is browned, add in the pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and chipotle pepper. Pour in the beer/broth and cook uncovered on low for 20 minutes until thickened. 

Meanwhile, prepare the waffle batter by whisking together all of the ingredients until well mixed. Spray waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray and scoop a large spoonful of the waffle batter onto the waffle maker. Close and cook until the cheese is bubbly and the waffle is golden brown. Continue with the rest of the batter. Should be enough batter to make 5-6 waffles. 

Top the waffles with the turkey chili and garnish with your choice of toppings. Serve hot.