Eggless Diwali Macarons

Introduction

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for celebration, indulgence, and sharing delicious sweets with loved ones. Macarons, with their delicate shells and flavorful fillings, can be a delightful addition to your Diwali festivities. This eggless macaron recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy this exquisite French treat during the festive season, making it an ideal choice for those avoiding eggs.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

almond flour – 1 cup
powdered sugar – 1 cup
water – ¼ cup
granulated sugar – ½ cup
food coloring – as desired
cream of tartar – ¼ tsp
vanilla extract – 1 tsp
filling of choice (ganache, jam, or buttercream) – as needed

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 macarons

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preparing the Aquafaba

Begin by draining a can of chickpeas and reserving the liquid (aquafaba). Make sure to measure about ½ cup of aquafaba for the macarons.

Whipping the Aquafaba

Transfer the aquafaba to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the aquafaba on high speed until it becomes foamy. This may take about 5 minutes.

Adding Sugar

Gradually add ⅓ cup of powdered sugar to the whipped aquafaba, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This process should take around 5-7 minutes.

Coloring the Mixture

If you desire colored macarons, add food coloring to the whipped mixture at this stage. Mix until the color is evenly incorporated.

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of almond flour and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Ensure there are no lumps.

Combining Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the aquafaba mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.

Piping the Macarons

Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe even rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Resting the Macarons

Let the piped macaron shells rest at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or until a film forms on their surface.

Baking the Macarons

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the macarons for 20-25 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and not sticky.

Cooling the Macarons

Once baked, allow the macarons to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Filling the Macarons

Once the macaron shells are completely cool, fill them with your choice of filling, such as chocolate ganache or buttercream.

Assembling the Macarons

Sandwich two macaron shells together with the filling. Gently press to ensure they stick together.

Storing the Macarons

Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Important Measurement

Ensure accurate measurements of aquafaba and powders for optimal results in texture and flavor.

Aquafaba Consistency

The aquafaba should be whipped to a consistency where it holds stiff peaks; this is crucial for successful macarons.

Baking Temperature

All ovens may vary in temperature; keep an eye on the macarons to prevent over-baking.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with various fillings such as fruit preserves, ganache, or flavored buttercreams to personalize your macarons.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the macarons at room temperature for the best experience in texture and taste.

Cook techniques

Preparing Aquafaba

The main technique for creating eggless macarons is using aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It acts as a fantastic egg white substitute. Whip it until it forms stiff peaks to create the meringue base for the macarons.

Macaronage Technique

The macaronage process is crucial for achieving the right consistency in the batter. Fold the dry ingredients into the whipped aquafaba gently and effectively until the mixture flows like magma and forms a ribbon when lifted.

Piping the Macarons

When piping, maintain steady pressure on the piping bag to ensure uniform shapes. Hold the bag upright and keep it about half an inch above the baking sheet for even macaron shells.

Resting the Macarons

Let the piped macarons rest for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps form a skin, which is essential for developing the signature “feet.”

Baking at the Right Temperature

Baking macarons requires precise temperature control. Bake them at 150°C (300°F), ensuring even heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door during the baking process.

FAQ

What can I use instead of aquafaba?

Aquafaba is the recommended substitute for eggs in this recipe. However, you can also explore other egg replacers designed for meringue, though results may vary.

Why are my macarons hollow inside?

Hollowness can occur due to overmixing the batter or improper macaronage, causing the structure to collapse during baking. It’s essential to achieve the right consistency.

What is the best way to store macarons?

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Can I color my macarons?

Yes, you can add food coloring to the aquafaba during whipping or to the dry ingredients. Gel food colorings work best and ensure that the batter remains at the right consistency.

How do I know when my macarons are done baking?

Macarons are done when they have formed a hard shell on the outside, are slightly risen, and do not wobble when you gently shake the baking sheet.

Conclusion

The eggless Diwali macarons are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the festive season. With their vibrant colors and rich flavors, they are perfect for celebrations and will surely impress your guests. These macarons provide a great opportunity to explore creativity in baking while adhering to dietary preferences. Embrace the joy of making these beautiful sweets and share them with loved ones.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chocolate Ganache Filling

Pair your macarons with a rich chocolate ganache filling for an indulgent taste experience.

Pistachio Buttercream

Consider a pistachio buttercream filling, combining the nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweet taste of buttercream.

Fruit-Flavored Fillings

Experiment with fruit-flavored fillings like strawberry, mango, or passionfruit for a refreshing twist.

Spiced Cardamom Buttercream

Infuse your buttercream with cardamom for an aromatic flavor that complements traditional Indian sweets.

Matcha Green Tea Cream

Try a matcha cream filling for a unique flavor that adds a subtle earthiness and a stunning green color.

Coconut Cream Filling

A fluffy coconut cream filling can add a tropical flair to your Diwali macarons.

Rosewater Cream

Incorporate rosewater into your filling for a fragrant and romantic twist inspired by Indian desserts.