There are so many different ingredients that can be put into a waffle maker and be transformed into fluffy waffles with lightly crisped edges. This version uses mashed yams as the main ingredient (potatoes would work too) and they are held together with eggs and flavoured with onions, chili powder and fresh thyme. Bacon is an optional addition- when chopped into tiny pieces it folds in well to the yam mixture and offers a rich, smoky, meaty touch in every bite.
Corn salsa (or any desired fresh salsa) is a good topping for adding in fresh, raw vegetables, some vibrancy and a burst of flavour. 
It is easiest and most time effective if the yams are leftover but if not made in advance they can be chopped finely and cooked in a double steamer- a fast option that keeps all the nutrients intact more than boiling and creates a better texture than microwaving. 
- Waffles
- 3 cups mashed yams
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion, chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ⅓ dried)
- Optional: 6 rashers bacon
- Corn Salsa
- 1 cup corn
- 2 roma tomatoes, deseeded and chopped finely
- ¼ red onion, chopped finely
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded chopped finely (leave seeds in for a spicy option)
- ½ lime, juiced (around 1 tablespoon juice)
- 1 teaspoon cold-pressed olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- If cooking yams: use two large yams, peel them and chop them finely (should be around 4 cups). Meanwhile set up a double boiler over high heat, then add the yams in once the water is boiling for around 10-12 minutes, until completely softened. Place the yams in a bowl, mash them up and set aside to cool.
- Bacon: set up a large skillet on medium high heat and cook until golden brown, flipping halfway through then set the bacon aside to cool, wrapped in paper towel to absorb the excess grease. Pour the grease out into a container, wipe the skillet with a paper towel then add in 2 tablespoons back into the skillet. If not using bacon set up the skillet now with 2 tablespoons of olive or other vegetable oil. Add in the onions and sautée until softened and starting to turn golden brown, 7-10 minutes, then set aside. Meanwhile, chop up the bacon into small bits.
- Waffles: turn the waffle maker on to heat up. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl then add in the cooled yams, onions, bacon, chili powder and thyme and stir until fully combined. Cook according to waffle directions, using a heaping ⅓ cup of the batter for each. Set the oven to warm (around 220°) and place the waffles in there as they cook until they are all done. Meanwhile, chop the salsa ingredients and add them all into a medium sized bowl.
