Ingredients

• Agar-agar powder: 1 tablespoon
• Water: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Coconut milk: 1 ½ cups (360 ml)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/3 cup (30 g)
• Sweetener (optional): You can add sugar, maple syrup, or another sweetener to taste (optional, about 2-3 tablespoons if desired)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Agar-Agar Mixture

• Mix the agar-agar and water: In a small saucepan, combine the agar-agar powder and 1 cup of water. Stir well to dissolve the agar-agar powder completely. This step is crucial for ensuring that the pudding sets properly, as agar-agar requires full hydration.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

• Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan with the agar-agar and water mixture on medium heat. Stir continuously and cook until the mixture starts to boil. Agar-agar must reach a boiling point to activate its gelling properties.

Step 3: Add Coconut Milk and Cocoa

• Add coconut milk: Once the agar-agar mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat slightly and pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine. Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the pudding.
• Add unsweetened cocoa: Next, whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder. Be sure to stir constantly to ensure the cocoa blends smoothly without forming lumps. You can also sift the cocoa powder before adding it to avoid clumping.

Step 4: Sweeten the Mixture (Optional)

• Sweeten to taste: If you prefer your pudding to be a little sweeter, now is the time to add your sweetener of choice. You can use granulated sugar, maple syrup, or any preferred sweetener. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener into the mixture.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil Again

• Cook until boiling: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. This ensures that the agar-agar is fully activated, which is necessary for the pudding to set properly. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.

Step 6: Pour into Molds or Serving Dishes

• Transfer to molds or dishes: Once the mixture has boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the pudding mixture into individual serving dishes, silicone molds, or a large bowl. The mixture will begin to set as it cools, so work quickly.

Step 7: Refrigerate to Set

• Chill for 2 hours: Place the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it has fully set. Agar-agar sets at room temperature but refrigerating it will give it a firmer texture and help the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve chilled: Once the pudding is fully set, remove it from the refrigerator. If you used molds, gently unmold the pudding onto a plate. Serve as is, or top with shredded coconut, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of coconut cream for added indulgence.

Cooking Tips

• Dissolve the agar-agar fully: Agar-agar needs to be completely dissolved in water and brought to a boil for it to activate. Stir constantly to ensure the powder is fully incorporated and no clumps remain. If you don’t dissolve it properly, the pudding may not set.
• Avoid overheating coconut milk: Once you add the coconut milk, avoid boiling the mixture for too long, as high heat can sometimes cause coconut milk to separate. A gentle simmer is all that’s needed after incorporating the coconut milk.
• Adjust sweetness: This recipe uses unsweetened cocoa, so if you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to add your desired sweetener during the cooking process. Taste the mixture before pouring it into molds to adjust the sweetness level as needed.
• Optional toppings: You can enhance the pudding by adding toppings such as chopped nuts, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast. Coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted chocolate also pair beautifully with this dessert.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pudding will hold its shape and stay fresh for a few days as long as it is properly stored.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this pudding, as the texture of agar-agar may change when thawed, becoming grainy or watery. It’s best to enjoy this pudding fresh or within a few days.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 4 g (without additional sweetener)
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Calcium: 20 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is agar-agar, and can I substitute it with gelatin?
   • Agar-agar is a vegan gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It’s used to set liquids and create firm, jelly-like textures in desserts. While you can substitute gelatin for agar-agar, keep in mind that gelatin is animal-based and sets differently. You’ll need to adjust the quantities and follow different cooking instructions if using gelatin.
2. Can I use a different plant-based milk?
   • Yes, you can substitute the coconut milk with other plant-based milks like almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. However, coconut milk provides the richest and creamiest texture, which complements the chocolate flavor well.
3. How firm will the pudding be?
   • This pudding will have a firm yet smooth texture, more similar to a jelly or panna cotta than traditional dairy-based pudding. If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the amount of agar-agar used.
4. Can I use sweetened cocoa powder?
   • You can use sweetened cocoa powder if you prefer, but remember to reduce or omit the sweetener to balance the sweetness. Unsweetened cocoa allows you to control the sweetness of the dish more precisely.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
   • Yes, this pudding can be made ahead of time. Prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It holds up well in the fridge and can be served chilled whenever you’re ready.

Conclusion

This Vegan Chocolate Coconut Pudding with Agar-Agar is a fantastic dessert that’s both delicious and healthy. With its rich chocolate flavor and smooth coconut base, it offers a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. The recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days when you want a treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Agar-agar provides a great alternative to traditional gelatin, making this pudding an ideal choice for those following a plant-based or vegan diet. Whether you serve it plain or with your favorite toppings, this pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light and wholesome.

Enjoy this easy and refreshing dessert any time you crave something sweet and creamy!