Tag: vegan

Agar agar, zero calories: what it is and how to use it in the kitchen – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

Agar agar: just take a look around social networks to immediately realize how much it has become one of the emerging products used in the kitchen. Popular among the food influencers and it is carving out an important space for itself among those who love to eat vegetarian or vegan dishes without giving up more traditional recipes.

What is agar agar

Agar agar is a product completely vegetal which is obtained from the processing and subsequent drying of algae red. Very famous in Japan, where it is called Kanten, it is a natural gelling agent which can be used in the preparation of jellies and desserts, especially to replace the gelatine.

Among its characteristics, in fact, there is an incredible ability to absorb liquids as soon as it comes into contact with them: it is therefore ideal for preparing jellies for cakes and completely vegetable desserts and puddings. It can be found on sale in all specialized shops and in the most well-stocked supermarkets and is completely odorlesstasteless and colorless so it does not modify the natural flavour of foods. Not only, agar agar it is also calorie-free and therefore suitable for low-calorie diets.

Agar agar powder

HeikeRau

How to use agar agar in cooking

Agar agar can be found on the market in different formats: barsflakes or more commonly in dust.
To use agar agar in the kitchen there is an important parameter to keep in mind: for 1 liter of liquid you will need approximately 4/5 g of product in powder. Furthermore, unlike isinglass gelatin, agar agar melts at temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees and becomes jelly at a temperature of 35-40 degreesthe. When using it in recipes it is good to remember that a teaspoon of agar agar corresponds to approximately eight sheets of isinglass. Finally, to obtain the maximum effect, it is best to use it within six months from opening the package.

Agar agar: recipes in which it can be used

Being a completely natural and highly performing solidifier, agar agar as mentioned can be used for replace the isinglass or other types of thickeners in pudding, panna cotta, cream, cheesecake, cake and dessert recipes.

Let’s find out how to use agar agar

Chickpea cacciucco, the veg version of the Tuscan soup – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

If we say chickpea cacciucco, to some it might seem like heresy. But is not so. The origins of the caciucco are lost among myths and legends: the typical Livorno fish soup was initially part of the poor cuisine, but over time the term “cacciucco” has taken on a meaning of “mixture” and for this reason there are several variations: of meat, game, fish and also legumes. The ingredients of the traditional cacciucco alla livornese originally included waste fish, but over time the recipe has evolved and today it is also possible to find shellfish and more valuable varieties of fish.

Then, there’s the chickpea cacciucco, the Tuscan soup based on chickpeas and chard that we offer you today. It is a version based on chickpeas where these super protein legumes are cooked in a broth of tomato and red wine, celery, carrot, onion, garlic and sage – as in the traditional recipe. We also added chard, but you can also use spinach or kale, if you prefer their flavor.

Certain that your friends and family will do an encore tasting, we let you get to work with this chickpea cacciucco.

The recipe for chickpea cacciucco

Difficulty: easy
Time: 45 minutes

Vegan lentil and sweet potato meatballs – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

Welcome the irresistible flavor of these succulents vegan meatballs made with lentils and sweet potatoes! With a mix of healthy and tasty ingredients, this recipe will win you over with its balance of flavours And nutrients. Perfect for a nutritious, meatless meal, these meatballs will give you a dining experience to remember.

Follow our simple steps to create delicious meatballs, enriched with fresh parsley, paprika and cumin. Give her lentils And sweet potatoes to the fork, we will guide you on a culinary journey that will make your palate happy and satisfied. Whether you are vegans or you simply want to experiment with new recipes, these vegan meatballs will be the perfect choice for a tasty and healthy meal. Enjoy your meal!