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Need A Vegan Egg Replacement For Baking? A Can Of Chickpeas Might Be Your Answer — VIDEO

If you're a practicing vegan than you're well aware of the struggle that is finding protein substitutes that look, taste, and behave like the real things they're imitating. Sure, dairy-free options for cheese or ice cream are a dime a dozen and as society becomes more conscious of the type of food being consumed, it's easier to find delicious ways to enjoy meat-free meals. But there's one "holy grail of veganism" that's been, well, as difficult to locate as that wooden cup Indiana Jones was so obsessed over: vegan egg replacement for baking.

That was, of course, until French chef Joel Roessel found a new and innovative way to use the leftover juice in a can of chickpeas, otherwise known as "chickpea brine." The gooey, juicy substance has now been coined "aquafaba" by vegan baker Goose Wohlt, a "latin-ish" term meaning "bean liquid." While other substitutes like Ener-G Egg Replacer reportedly lack the ability to replace the signature fluffy and lightweight texture of beaten eggs, when whipped, aquafaba takes on a remarkably similar texture to that of real eggs. Now delicious cakes and meringue pies are a possibility, and the vegan world is celebrating accordingly. Check this out:

As it turns out, aquafaba isn't just useful for meringue (although honestly, if you've got that, what else in the world could you possibly need?) Here's a look at just some of the things you can do with chickpea juice.

Vegan Meringue

There's no way you wouldn't know that wasn't whipped egg whites and sugar.

Vegan Genoise

You can check out this recipe for a Vegan Genoise not only in English, but in Swedish as well!

Vegan Rainbow Cookies

This was Amanda's first time trying out the recipe, and according to her post, she was very excited about and happy with the outcome.

Vegan, Gluten-Free Faux Crab Cakes

It's hard to believe, but this recipe uses aquafaba and garbanzo flour instead of crab meet and eggs! You can also watch a tutorial video, if you want to give the recipe a shot!

Coconut Rum Bundt Cake

I have a feeling the pictures and recipes on this Facebook page will be the reason I make it through the holiday season with a few extra pounds (that I will love and feel awesome about because these treats will have been very worth my favorite jeans feeling a little tight).

Images: Poppet with a camera/Flickr; Facebook (6)