Something magical happens when you whip up the thick liquid found in your can of BPA-free chickpeas. It gets fluffy, airy, and absolutely reminiscent of meringue – sans the eggs. Fold in melted chocolate, a dash of coconut sugar, and a few more goodies into the bowl, and you’ll have yourself a decadent, vegan chocolate mousse recipe made with the most culinary savvy ingredient around: aquafaba.

Aqua-what? If you’ve never heard the word before, fret not. Aquafaba was coined in 2015 by a now 50,000-strong community group on Facebook (Vegan Meringue – Hits and Misses!) who had been experimenting with chickpea brine for its surprising abilities to replace egg whites in recipes. Decadent treats like cakes, brownies, marshmallows, meringues, ice cream, macaroons and even mayonnaise could be made vegan simply by using aquafaba as an egg alternative.

Aqufaba’s versatility has led to chickpea water totally becoming a thing and finding its way into gourmet and home kitchens, prepared foods like mayonnaise and hummus, cocktails, (whiskey sour anyone?) and pop-up restaurants around the country. News outlets like The New York Times and Bon Appetit are even writing on the marvels of chickpea brine, noting aquafaba to be a vegan wonder ingredient.

Nutritionally speaking, the research and nutrition information on aquafaba is minimal. However, according to Aquababa.com where a nutritional analysis on aquafaba was taken, chickpea brine does contain trace trace nutrients. According to the analysis, one tablespoon of aquafaba contains 3-5 calories along with trace amounts of calcium, iron, and protein.

Nutrition and vegan wonder ingredient aside, using aquafaba also helps to cut back on food waste. I’m sure you’ve poured countless cups of chickpea water down the drain without even giving a second thought to repurpose it. Now that aquafaba is a known culinary ingredient, you can be economical and kitchen savvy at the same time. Now that’s a win-win.

Using your chickpea brine for a decadent chocolate mousse is definitely a way to take advantage of your culinary forte. By simply folding in a high-quality (organic, free-trade, and dairy-free please!) dark chocolate into whipped aquafaba along with sweet and mineral-rich coconut sugar, and warming vanilla you’re able to make this vegan chocolate mousse recipe in a cinch. Due the fact that it uses no refined sugars, oils, dairy, or any other animal products, it’s suitable for many dietary restrictions.

A vegan and environmentally friendly dessert? Sign me up.

Vegan Chocolate Aquafaba Mousse

I’m so thrilled to share this recipe with Organic Authority. Head to their website for the recipe!