Beans really can do it all! You may have heard of a recent food craze going around lately called aquafaba. Did you realize that aquafaba is just one more unique and healthy way to incorporate beans into your diet and the foods you love?
So what is aquafaba exactly?
Aquafaba is the leftover liquid you find after cooking beans. That’s right, the liquid in the jar of Randall Beans sitting in your pantry right now is aquafaba!
You can use the liquid from any variety of bean or legume you desire, but the most popular variety is the liquid from garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas). This is because the leftover liquid is clearer than other varieties such as kidney beans and black beans. So, when used in cooking it does not drastically alter coloration in any way.
So, why is “bean juice” blowing up the culinary world?
It turns out that aquafaba can be used as a seamless substitute for egg whites in any recipe. Strange, but true! It’s thick, viscous form and clear color makes it a perfect duplicate.
Because of this, aquafaba has found a home in vegan cuisine. In fact, this discovery didn’t happen all that long ago and they even had to come up with a name for it. “Aqua” – Latin for water. ‘Faba” – Latin for bean.
Aquafaba can be used as a direct substitute for egg whites in any recipe and can even be used on its own to make a whipped cream or meringue. Just pour the liquid in a bowl and beat on high until the clear liquid magically turns into a thick white cream, about 15 minutes. Add some sugar and continue beating until its glossy like regular whipped cream. If you are making meringue, just pipe the mixture onto a paper-covered baking sheet and bake at about 250 degrees for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Still skeptical? Try it for yourself and be amazed! Trust us, like using black beans in cakes and other desserts, you won’t be able to tell the difference!
Usually, people who want to get aquafaba have to go through the long process of soaking and cooking the beans themselves to get their reward. But, with Randall Beans you don’t have to do the work. Simply collect the liquid you would normally pour down the drain while you are draining and rinsing.
This recipe featuring Randall Great Northern Beans is a perfect summer side dish.
