Often discarded as waste, the liquid from canned chickpeas, known as aquafaba, has been making waves in the culinary world. With its unique properties, aquafaba is not just a fantastic vegan substitute for eggs, but it also offers a world of possibilities for creative cooking. Here are some tantalizing aquafaba recipes you never knew existed.
The Magic of Aquafaba
Aquafaba, meaning ‘bean water’, is the liquid leftover from cooking legumes, particularly chickpeas. It’s a magical ingredient that mimics the properties of egg whites, making it an ideal ingredient for vegan and plant-based cooking. From meringues to mayonnaise, and even butter, aquafaba can do it all. What’s more, using aquafaba helps reduce food waste, making it a sustainable choice for conscious cooks.
Aquafaba Meringues
With just two ingredients, you can create a light, airy, and completely vegan meringue. All you need is aquafaba and sugar. Whip the aquafaba until it forms stiff peaks, gradually add sugar, and bake until crisp. These meringues are perfect for enjoying with fresh fruits or a dollop of vegan cream.
Plant-Based Mayonnaise with Aquafaba
If you’ve been missing mayonnaise on your vegan diet, aquafaba is here to save the day. Blend aquafaba with vinegar, mustard, and oil to create a creamy, tangy mayo that’s plant-based. You can also add in herbs or spices to customize your mayo to your liking.
Buttery Aquafaba Spread
Aquafaba can also be used to make a vegan butter substitute. With a combination of aquafaba, coconut oil, olive oil, and a dash of salt, you can create a spreadable, dairy-free butter that’s perfect for toast, baking, or cooking.
Light and Fluffy Aquafaba Pancakes
Start your morning with a stack of fluffy, vegan pancakes made with aquafaba. The whipped aquafaba gives the pancakes a light texture, while also providing a good source of protein. Just replace the eggs in your favorite pancake recipe with whipped aquafaba for a plant-based breakfast delight.
By exploring the wonders of aquafaba, you can expand your culinary repertoire, reduce food waste, and create amazing dishes, all while sticking to a vegan or plant-based diet. Try these recipes and discover the versatility of this humble chickpea water for yourself.