Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan Recipe – Mexican Flan dessert
Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan Recipe
Syrup:
- 5 Tablespoons coconut palm sugar or Sucanat or Rapadura
- 3 Tablespoons filtered water
Pudding:
- ⅔ cup medium-firm tofu (or use extra-firm silken tofu), crumbled
- 2 teaspoons stevia powder (or more, to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon of the Syrup, above
- ¾ teaspoons coconut extract
- Pinch of salt2 ½ cups almond milk
- ¾ teaspoons agar powder or 1 ½ Tablespoons agar flakes
1. Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan with a heavy bottom, over low heat. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. Working quickly, place in the blender the tofu, 1 tablespoon of syrup, 2 teaspoons stevia, coconut extract and salt. Set this aside and pour the remaining syrup evenly into 6 custard molds. Rotate each one to coat the base and sides with the syrup. Set aside.
3. Into the same saucepan pour the almond milk and the agar. Bring this quickly to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Continue stirring. Add this hot milk mixture to the ingredients in the blender and immediately blend it to a smooth cream. Stir down the bubbles. Pour the blended mixture into the coated molds, and skim off any remaining foam. Cover the molds with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them until serving time.
To unmold the puddings:
Dip the bottom of each mold briefly into boiling water, then remove the plastic wrap and turn upside down on a dessert plate. The pudding should slide out easily. Pour any syrup left in the bottom of the mold over the pudding.
The Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan is amazing served at a formal dinner, as a vegan, low-sugar and dairy-free option at a wedding or bridal shower, or made as a large flan for a gathering. It looks beautiful decorated with fruit and mint or lemon balm sprigs. If you’re making a large batch of the Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan, cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans look beautiful decorating the side of the dish. If you’d like some variation for vegan creme caramel or individual spanish-style flans, do the following: omit the coconut extract and add 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract (you could use some orange extract or orange zest in the pudding and/or the syrup, if you like, and use less vanilla). Everyone from kids to adults love the Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan!
- Recipe by: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/RCP00273/vegan-coconut-flan.html
- Recipe Type: Dessert
Special Equipment:
Blendtec blender, Vitamix Blender, Measuring spoons, Measuring cups, Small heavy-bottom saucepan, Cooking spoon, Six custard molds, Rubber spatula, Dessert plate or individual plates
Coconut palm sugar is sugar derived from the coconut palm tree. The coconut tree is a member of the family Arecaceae. It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. Coconut palm sugar contains some minerals including iron, zinc, calcium and potassium, along with some short chain fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants that may also provide some health benefits. It also contains inulin, a fiber which may help it to have a lower glycemic index than some sugars. Due to the sugar content, coconut palm sugar should be consumed in moderation.
Water is a transparent fluid which forms the world’s streams, lakes, oceans and rain, and is the major constituent of the fluids of living things. Water is essential for human health, but the proper source and amount varies from person to person and within a person over time. All human cells and systems require water, so it’s essential to keep hydrated.
Tofu, made from soybean curds, is naturally gluten-free and low calorie, contains no cholesterol and is an excellent source of protein, iron, and calcium. Soy is the prime component of tofu and is a complete source of dietary protein, providing all of the essential amino acids needed in the diet.
Sea salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride, derived from seawater. Salt provides sodium, which is absolutely essential for cell function and human life itself. The average American diet contains far too much salt, making this ingredient a good one to avoid if you are uncertain how much you are getting in your food. Over-intake of sodium is a cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Sea salt contains other crucial trace minerals and is a healthy food consumed in moderation.
Almond Milk is a plant milk produced by soaking almonds and grinding them in water. The almond is a species of tree native to the Middle East and South Asia, mostly we are familiar with almonds as the edible seeds of this tree. Almonds are powerhouses of nutrition, containing monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol and are protective against cardiovascular disease. Almonds are rich in biotin, and contain large amounts of Vitamin E, Manganese, Copper, Vitamin B2, phosphorus, magnesium, and molybdenum. Your Reading the Smoothie Ingredients Guide Health Benefits and Facts.
Agar powder is made from agar and used as a thickener. Agar or agar-agar is a jelly-like substance, obtained from algae and discovered in the late 1650s or early 1660s by Minoya Tarozaemon in Japan, where it is called kanten. Agar is soothing to the digestive system and helpful for digestive disorders. Never consume agar powder before it is fully integrated into the liquid you are using it with. It can expand in the throat and constrict breathing. Your Reading the Smoothie Ingredients Guide Health Benefits and Facts.
Coconut extract is an extract of coconut used for flavoring. It gives a strong flavor of coconut. The coconut tree is a member of the family Arecaceae. It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos.
About the Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan Recipe
The Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan is a wonderful alternative to the restaurant or packaged versions. It is low on the glycemic index with the use of both coconut palm sugar and stevia powder. The original recipe calls for brown sugar, which is 64 on the glycemic index, but this version has been replaced with coconut palm sugar that falls to 35 on the GI. Stevia extract replaces an original calling of beet or cane sugar, which is over 100 on the GI. Those changes make the Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan A-OK for diabetics, eaten in moderation. The use of almond milk in this recipe omits dairy for those who are lactose intolerant. For a nut-free version, simply switch to rice milk. The tofu in the Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan replaces the traditional flan calling for eggs, making this a great option for vegans.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Why Make the Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan Recipe
The Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan Recipe is a wonderful replacement to store-bought or restaurant desserts that typically include eggs, dairy and excessive amounts of sugar. It can be easily made in the Vitamix or Blendtec and created to your liking. The Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan recipe has two alternative options, making it great for everyone. You can whip this up and take to a gathering or serve as a nice dessert at your next get together. The Dr. Weil Vegan Coconut Flan is also inexpensive to make, while pre-made flan can be quite pricey. One small flan rings in at just under $2![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you have any questions or information you’d like to share please leave a comment!
Thank you,
The Daily Vitamin Staff[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]