Aquafaba Recipes Vegan: Easy & Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

Discover the magic of aquafaba, the incredible vegan-friendly ingredient derived from the liquid of cooked chickpeas. This versatile plant-based substitute mimics the properties of egg whites, making it an essential component for anyone embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply looking for healthier alternatives in their kitchen.

Whether you’re whipping up fluffy meringues, creating creamy mousses, or baking decadent cakes, aquafaba opens a whole new world of culinary possibilities without compromising on taste or texture.

In this post, we’ll explore several delightful aquafaba recipes vegan cooks will adore. From sweet treats to savory dishes, learn how to harness this humble liquid’s power, plus tips to perfect your creations.

Ready to transform your vegan cooking? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aquafaba is a game-changer for vegans and those with egg allergies. It’s cost-effective, easy to find (just save the liquid from your canned chickpeas!), and incredibly versatile.

Beyond its practical uses, aquafaba produces astonishingly light and airy textures, perfect for making everything from meringues to mayonnaise. Plus, it’s cholesterol-free and packed with plant-based goodness, making your recipes healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or curious home cook, mastering aquafaba recipes will elevate your culinary skills and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas or cooked chickpeas)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweet recipes like meringue)
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (helps stabilize aquafaba foam)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
• 1 cup chickpeas (for homemade aquafaba)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for vegan mayo)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (for vegan mayo)
• Salt to taste (for savory recipes)

Equipment

• Electric mixer or stand mixer (to whip aquafaba to stiff peaks)
• Bowl (preferably metal or glass for whipping)
• Sieve or fine mesh strainer (to strain aquafaba)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spatula
• Oven (for baking meringues or cakes)
• Blender or food processor (for vegan mayo)

Instructions

1. Prepare your aquafaba: Drain canned chickpeas and reserve the liquid, or cook dried chickpeas and collect the cooking water. Strain through a sieve to remove any solids.
2. Whip the aquafaba: Using an electric mixer, beat the aquafaba on high until it forms soft peaks (this can take 5-10 minutes). Add cream of tartar halfway through to stabilize the foam.
3. Add sugar gradually: For sweet recipes like vegan meringue, slowly add sugar while continuing to whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Incorporate flavorings: Gently fold in vanilla extract or other flavorings as desired.
5. Use immediately: For meringues, pipe or spoon onto lined baking sheets and bake at 225°F (110°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry and crisp. For mousse or frosting, chill before serving.
6. For vegan mayo: In a blender, combine 3 tbsp aquafaba, 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 cup vegetable oil. Blend until thick and creamy.
7. Store leftovers: Keep unused aquafaba in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

Tips & Variations

“Always use unsalted chickpeas for aquafaba to avoid altering the taste of your recipes.”

• Concentration matters: Thicker aquafaba whips better. If your aquafaba is watery, gently simmer it on low to reduce the liquid before whipping.
• Sweeten naturally: Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile in desserts.
• Flavor infusions: Add cocoa powder or spices like cinnamon for inventive twists on classic meringues.
• Experiment with savory: Use aquafaba to make vegan cheese sauces or as an egg wash substitute in baking savory items like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe.
• Try other legumes: Aquafaba can be made from beans like navy beans or black beans, though chickpea liquid is most reliable.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the brand and preparation of chickpeas used.

Serving Suggestions

• Use aquafaba meringues as a topping for fresh fruit or vegan pies.
• Blend aquafaba into smoothies or shakes for added texture and protein boost.
• Spread homemade vegan mayo on sandwiches or burgers, complemented by recipes like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.
• Incorporate whipped aquafaba into frostings or fillings for cakes such as the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.
• Try aquafaba-based sauces in savory dishes as a creamy, egg-free binder.

Top 3 Aquafaba Recipes Vegan Home Cooks Will Love

Vegan Aquafaba Meringues

These light and crispy meringues are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert topping. Using aquafaba and sugar, whip up a glossy foam and bake low and slow until crisp.

Customize with vanilla, cocoa, or citrus zest.

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup aquafaba, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions: Whip aquafaba and cream of tartar to soft peaks, slowly add sugar, then whip to stiff peaks. Fold in vanilla and bake at 225°F for 1.5 hours.

Vegan Aquafaba Chocolate Mousse

A rich, creamy mousse with none of the guilt! Whip aquafaba, melt dark vegan chocolate, then fold together for a decadent dessert that’s naturally dairy- and egg-free.

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup aquafaba, 100g vegan dark chocolate, 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• Instructions: Melt chocolate and cool slightly. Whip aquafaba with sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold chocolate gently into aquafaba. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Classic Vegan Aquafaba Mayonnaise

This homemade vegan mayo is creamy and tangy, perfect as a sandwich spread or dip. Using aquafaba and oil, you can create a luscious condiment without eggs.

• Ingredients: 3 tbsp aquafaba, 1 cup neutral oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt
• Instructions: Blend aquafaba, lemon juice, and salt. Slowly drizzle oil while blending until thick and creamy.

Conclusion

Aquafaba is truly a vegan kitchen superhero, turning ordinary chickpea water into a powerful ingredient that can transform your dishes. Its ability to mimic egg whites opens up endless possibilities for baking, cooking, and creating delightful vegan treats.

Whether you’re making fluffy meringues, rich mousses, or creamy mayo, aquafaba is your go-to for cruelty-free, allergy-friendly cooking.

Start experimenting with this amazing liquid today and discover how it can enhance your plant-based recipes. For more delicious vegan ideas, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe, or indulge in a savory twist with the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the magic of aquafaba!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Aquafaba Chocolate Mousse”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and fluffy vegan chocolate mousse made using aquafaba as an egg white substitute. Perfect for a dairy-free, egg-free dessert that’s rich and creamy.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/2 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)”, “1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar”, “1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan)”, “2 tablespoons powdered sugar”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “Pinch of salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Melt the dark chocolate chips gently and set aside to cool slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whip the aquafaba with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to whip.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add a pinch of salt and mix until fully combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide the mousse into serving cups and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “12g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}