When you hear the word “aquafaba”, you’d probably think it’s the name of a fancy swimsuit brand or a high-end spa treatment. But, it’s actually another word for chickpea water—and it’s found in a lot of plant-based recipes.

While it doesn’t sound super appetizing, aquafaba makes an excellent egg replacement because of its viscous texture. It behaves similarly to egg whites, making it a great binder for things like baked goods. And when you whip it, it makes a great ingredient in vegan-friendly aquafaba recipes, like meringues and macarons.

Getting your own aquafaba is simple. Simply drain a can of chickpeas and save the liquid, or use the leftover water from when you cook your own chickpeas at home. It’s not just great for plant-based cooking—it’s also an effortless way to cut down on food waste.

Instead of that liquid going down the drain, it can be used to create the delicious aquafaba recipes below. Here are the best ones to try the next time you pop open a can of chickpeas!

9 Delicious Aquafaba Recipes to Try

1. Fluffy Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Airy, indulgent chocolate mousse that’s also vegan? Yep, dreams do come true. Garnish it with your favorite sweet toppings and get whisked away to paradise.

2. Oil-Free Vegan Aquafaba Mayo

Make your own tangy vegan mayo from the comfort of your home with aquafaba and a couple other ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep time, it’s ready for spreading on sandwiches or adding to salads.

3. Vegan Tempura

You won’t be able to resist the crunch on this savory vegan tempura. Fry up sweet potatoes, eggplant, and other fresh veggies into this deliciously battered snack that’s great for dinners and parties.

4. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready to make some of the best vegan chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had. These tasty little morsels utilize aquafaba and coconut milk to make a perfectly rich and chewy treat.

5. Vegan Raspberry Meringues

You don’t need eggs to make delicious meringues. This sweet dessert uses aquafaba to get that iconic light and crunchy texture, plus a swirl of raspberry for a fruity spin on the classic treat.

6. Vegan Strawberry Macarons

If you’re a more experienced baker, give these adorable strawberry macarons a try. They’re filled with a vegan strawberry buttercream and strawberry jam that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

7. Best Ever Vegan Omelette

Being that aquafaba is also a great egg substitute, we had to share a good omelette recipe. Fill it with all your favorite cooked veggies and enjoy a healthy and satisfying plant-based breakfast.

8. Vegan Ravioli

The dough from this vegan ravioli is made with aquafaba, and the inside is filled with homemade almond tofu ricotta cheese.

9. Fudgy Vegan Brownies

Who’s craving brownies? This melt-in-your-mouth brownie recipe gets its fluffiness thanks to aquafaba.