What can you make from the liquid in a can of chickpeas?

The liquid left over in a can or jar of chickpeas is also known as aquafaba. Aquafaba is bean water, a mixture of water and a pinch of salt. Chickpea liquid is the most commonly used variant of aquafaba. The cooked chickpeas keep longer due to the chickpea liquid and do not dry out.

What can you use chickpea liquid for?

It may surprise you, but chickpea liquid or aquafaba is often used as an egg substitute. By whipping it, a foamy mixture is created that not only resembles whipped egg whites, but also has the same effect.

Chickpea juice is often used in vegan and egg-free recipes for this reason. For example, you can make airy chocolate mousse with aquafaba, but also vegan cakes and meringue, for example. The ratio is about 45 milliliters of aquafaba for 1 egg or 30 milliliters for 1 egg white. Tip: whipping aquafaba works best when it is cold. In addition, a combination of lemon juice and some sugar will ensure that the whipped aquafaba remains more stable.

Is aquafaba healthy?

Aquafaba or bean water may contain a pinch of salt, but you can’t call it bad for your health. The fluid consists of 95 percent water, depending on the aquafaba used, and therefore contains few calories. Rather opt for chickpea liquid from organic chickpeas.

Why do you always have to rinse chickpeas?

Because chickpeas are rich in proteins, these proteins also absorb into the moisture. In addition, chickpeas, like many other legumes, contain saponin. Saponin is once kind of natural soap dust. This also absorbs moisture. Both the proteins and the saponin provide a foaming effect when whipping.

The proteins and saponin are not harmful, on the contrary, but they do create foam in your dish. If you only want to use the chickpeas or other legumes, you probably want to avoid this.

How long does aquafaba stay good?

You can keep aquafaba in a clean, sealed jar for about three days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Where can you buy aquafaba?

Aquafaba or chickpea liquid is sold in packs in some online specialty stores, but the easiest way to get it is to get it from a can or jar of chickpeas.

3x recipes with chickpeas

Want to experiment with aquafaba, but don’t know what to do with the chickpeas? Then try these recipes!

• Roasted chickpeas with garlic and Parmesan
• Indian pumpkin curry with chickpeas
• Salad of pearl couscous and chickpeas

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