Have you ever heard of Aquafaba? If you haven’t – meet your new best friend – especially if you’re on a plant-based diet!

What Is Aquafaba?

Aquafaba is most commonly known as the liquid you’d find in a can of chickpeas, beans or legumes. It’s an excellent plant-based alternative to eggs – often whipped and used in meringues, but also great as a direct substitute in many other recipes – like cookies, waffles, ice cream and these amazing pancakes. 

Why Make It Yourself?

Although you can get it straight from a can, you should read our case against cans first. The effort of making your own Aquafaba from scratch (using dried beans) is rewarded with BPA-free piece of mind.
 
aquafaba-from-chickpeas

How To Make Aquafaba From Dried Beans

Making Aquafaba from scratch is easier than it sounds!
Simply boil your beans (or chickpeas) with water that just covers them. Once they are well cooked, strain the Aquafaba. If it looks too watery, cook the liquid down to the right consistency. 
 
Now you’re ready to make some pancakes!
 
naked-foods-aquafaba-pancakes-recipe

Vegan Aquafaba Pancakes With Lemon Poppyseed Cream

Vegan, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Refined Sugar Free

Makes 4 pancakes.

Ingredients

Lemon Poppyseed Cream

  • 240ml coconut milk
  • 3 Tbsp. arrowroot powder* (or 1.5 Tbsp. corn starch)
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup* 
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice 
  • 1/2 tsp poppy seeds*

Pancakes

  • 120ml soy milk or almond milk
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar* 
  • 90g plain flour* 

  • 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar* 
  • 1 tsp baking powder* 
  • 1/8 tsp pink salt*
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil*
  • 3 Tbsp Aquafaba

*Available at Naked Foods

Method

Lemon Poppyseed Cream

  1. In a small mixing bowl, add arrowroot powder and 5-6 Tbsp. coconut milk** (room temperature) Stir well until smooth. **3-4 Tbsp. coconut milk if using corn starch.

  2. In a small saucepan, place rest of the milk, maple syrup, and arrowroot mixture. Stir well. 
  3. Heat the mixture over a low-medium flame and stir until the mixture thickens 
  4. Remove from flame. Add lemon juice and poppy seeds and mix well. Add more sweetener or lemon juice if you need. ***If you used corn starch, the texture thickens after refrigerating. Let sit at room temperature if you want it soft and runny.

Pancakes

  1. Make vegan buttermilk by mixing soy milk with apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  2. Place all dry ingredients in a bowl and stir well. 
  3. In a small mixing bowl, add Aquafaba and beat it with electric beaters on high until stiff peaks form. 
  4. Add all other wet ingredients to the dry ingredients (don’t add the Aquafaba yet). Mix to combine. 
  5. Fold the Aquafaba meringue into the pancake mix until just combined, don’t overmix. 
  6. Cook your pancakes on both sides and enjoy!

    Have you guys made any of our recipes? Share your creations with us by tagging @nakedfoods or leaving a comment below! And don’t forget to check out @365cleaneats for more stunning food photos and recipes. 

    Minako Umehara – @365cleaneats

    Health-conscious Recipe Creator / Food Stylist & Photographer/ Food Instructor
    Minako has lived in 8 cities across 3 countries since 2003. Despite the varying environments around her, her realisation that food is universal has led to her desire to connect with people through food. After moving to Melbourne, she picked up vegan cooking. She now spends time creating innovative vegan recipes and running cooking classes.