Zero waste sweet treat: The secret ingredient behind fluffy chocolate mousse

One of my favorite ways to embrace the “zero waste” ethos is by whipping up a fluffy chocolate mousse. This quick and impressive dessert doesn't call for eggs, cream, or mascarpone; instead, its unique consistency comes from an unlikely ingredient: chickpea water.

Inside my kitchen, I strive to fully utilize every ingredient. Having leftover water from preparing chickpea cutlets sparked the idea to use it as the base for a distinctive dessert. Due to its ability to whip into foam, akin to egg whites, my first thought was chocolate mousse. The result: a vegan, cloud-like dessert so scrumptious you'll find yourself scraping the bowl clean.

Despite its exotic name, "aquafaba" is merely the water in which chickpeas are cooked. It exhibits the same properties as egg whites, forming firm peaks when whisked, yet its taste is neutral. Plus, it's gluten-free and contains a mere four calories per tablespoon. Great as a substitute for milk, eggs, or cream, aquafaba even features in vegan mayonnaise recipes.

Don't be put off by the distinct aroma of legumes that emanates from aquafaba right after cooking or draining it from a can. This scent fades away quickly after baking or combining with other ingredients, making it a versatile addition to various recipes.

In my household, we love to transform leftover chickpea water into a simple, yet mouthwatering chocolate mousse. Boasting a potent taste, light texture, and effortless preparation, this dessert can even be served to guests on special occasions.

Ingredients:

      
• 5.3 oz of dark chocolate,
• 5 oz of chickpea water,
• Optional: powdered sugar,
• A pinch of salt.

Instructions:

      
1. Transfer the aquafaba to a bowl and whip it until it forms stiff peaks with a pinch of salt.
2. Melt the chocolate using a water bath method. Set it aside to cool.
3. Gradually add the melted chocolate to the whipped aquafaba, stirring gently with a spatula to avoid deflating the foam. For those with a sweet tooth, add powdered sugar to taste at this stage.
4. Spoon the mixture into glasses or bowls and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Garnish the final product with your favorite toppings. Whether it be raspberry mousse, fresh fruits, or nuts, the choice is yours. Enjoy!