How To Make Flax Eggs
If you’re a vegan, eggs are off the list. But what about all those recipes that call for eggs? Well, there are always easy and healthy alternatives, like flax eggs. So how to make flax eggs?
You have to agree, as vegans, we are pretty smart folks. Name a non-vegan thing, and we’ll have a vegan alternative for it. So eggs are no different. We can easily use flax eggs, chia eggs, and aquafaba as egg alternatives, keeping it plant-based.
Here’s the deal: in most recipes with eggs, it’s usually used to bind ingredients or give it a certain texture, and rarely is it used for flavor. So using an alternative with the same consistency, texture, and state, you can pretty much create the same recipes like nobody’s business.
Even if you’re not vegan, flax eggs can come in handy when you’re out of eggs. So all those egg eaters, don’t run away just yet and find out how to make flax eggs!
What is a Chia Egg or Flax Egg?
Flax eggs are basically a combination of flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed) and water. Similarly, chia eggs are a mixture of whole chia seeds and water.
For flax eggs, flax meal is preferred as flaxseeds are a bit bigger in size to partially dissolve in water. On the other hand, chia seeds are small enough to be used as a whole.
But why are these mixtures called eggs? Well, in the vegan world, they serve as an egg alternative because they have a similar texture and consistency as whisked eggs. Of course, the flavor and nutrient composition are different, but these get the job done.
In fact, if we’re talking nutrition, flaxseeds and chia seeds aren’t far behind eggs. Yes, eggs have more protein than flaxseeds and chia seeds, but the seeds do have some protein. One tablespoon or 7 g of ground flaxseeds has 1.28 g protein, 2.95 g fat, and a total of 37.4 calories. An egg, on the other hand, has 75 calories.
By the way, both flaxseeds and chia seeds have one thing that eggs don’t have: fiber!
Can Flax Egg Be Used As An Egg Substitute or Replacement in Every Recipe?
Flax eggs are usually used as a substitute for eggs in recipes, particularly baking recipes. However, there are limitations to its use. It may not work that well in every recipe that uses eggs.
You can use flax eggs to make pancakes, muffins, brownies, cookies, and bread. But there are recipes for which you can’t really use as a substitute.
For instance, you cannot use it as a replacement to make mayonnaise. Although there is such a thing as vegan mayonnaise, it doesn’t use flax eggs or chia eggs.
Similarly, you cannot use it as an actual egg, like to make a vegan omelet or fried egg alternative. It’s only best for most baking recipes that traditionally use eggs, whole or just the whites or yolks.
How to Make A Chia Egg or Flax Egg or Egg Substitute
Making flax eggs or chia eggs is a simple task, as these egg alternatives just need two ingredients.
Here’s how you make flax eggs:
Take one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds (flaxseed meal) and add it to a small cup. Add in three tablespoons of water.
Let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. Now, use it for the recipe you’re making.
It’s as simple as that!
If you don’t have pre-grounded flaxseeds, just grind the whole seeds in a food processor.
Keep in mind that this is a substitute for one egg. So if your recipe calls for two eggs, you need to double the amount of flaxseed meal and water. Simply multiple the tablespoons of flaxseeds and water by the number of eggs required by the recipe.
Making chia eggs is even easier, as you just need whole chia eggs. Here’s how you do it:
Take one tablespoon of whole chia seeds and add them to two and a half tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before using it for a recipe.
So basically, the method is the same for making flax eggs and chia eggs.
It’s important to let the mixture sit for some time to let it thicken and attain that eggy consistency. You’ll know it when the mixture becomes pasty.
Both these egg alternatives are not freezer-friendly and may even go bad after some time, especially in hot weather. So make sure you’re making them from scratch right when you need them to add to the recipe mix.
Do I Need Ground Flaxseed to Make a Flax Egg?
Yes, for making flax eggs, ground flaxseeds are necessary. Also called flax meal, ground flaxseeds mix in the water well, as whole flaxseeds are a bit bigger and may stay separate from the water.
In any case, many health experts and nutritionists suggest using ground flaxseeds in cereal and recipes. These digest better than whole flaxseeds, which may pass through in the whole form, robbing you of all the nutrients you’re eating them for in the first place.
Chia seeds don’t have this issue, as they are small in size and mix well.
Keep in mind that a flax meal doesn’t last very long and can go bad. This is why it’s best to buy whole flaxseeds and ground them yourself as and when you need them.
How to Make Flax Eggs – A Wrap Up
It’s better to use alternatives like flax eggs in recipes instead of omitting eggs altogether. As you can see, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just two components and a humble wait of 15 minutes, you can bake those incredible muffins, brownies, and cookies without needing to use eggs. Isn’t that great?
Ensure that the ratio of water and flax meal is 3:1 tablespoons. Adding less or more water won’t give you the right results. Also, this mixture may not be a great substitute in all recipes, but there are many that you can use them for.
