VEGAN CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Vegan? Yes, vegan. This recipe is 100% keto but it has been a staple in the vegan community for quite a while now. There are quite a few vegetarian and vegan options that are also qualify as keto. I, personally, enjoy making vegan and vegetarian meals regularly. It’s not something I do on purpose. I just enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables that much.

I made this recipe as a “last chance” meal. I had avocado halves in the crisper that had browned and were a bit over ripe. As much of a jewel as avocado is in the keto community, I tend to forget they are in the house so often. I am focused on reducing food waste this year and have committed to making meals out of ingredients that are about to go bad–basically this is their last chance before I have to waste them. It makes for an interesting Google recipe search.

This recipe was supposed to be cookies since I saw singer Jason Mraz, owner of an avocado farm, do a recipe for cookies using over ripe avocados on a TV show about YouTube TV shows. In searching for that recipe, I found multiple ones for vegan chocolate pudding–some of them raw options. Pudding seemed easier to pull together in that moment, So, I whipped up a triple batch.

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INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (to taste)
• 2-3 tbsp of sweetener (to taste)
• 1/2 large avocado (overripe)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
• pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine cocoa powder, sweetener, cinnamon, xanthan gum and salt in a bowl. Mix the dry ingredients well because xanthan gum can cause lumps if you don’t. Xanthan gum will thicken the pudding mixture but it is optional.
2. Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan on low heat. Stir in the dry ingredients slowly.
3. Add vanilla extract. Stir occasionally while everything melts together. Do not boil.
4. Add avocado and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
5. Pour into a container, cover, and refrigerate until cool.
6. Top with strawberries, nuts, coconut, or sugar free chocolate chips before serving.