Is it possible to make vegan liquorice from apples? Come find out...

liquorice extract

🥗Healthier: carob powder

💰Cheaper: anise extract

Carob powder offers a similar flavor profile while being more accessible.

glucose syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup is a plant-based alternative with a similar sweetness.

natural coloring

🥗Healthier: beet juice

💰Cheaper: food-grade activated charcoal

Beet juice provides a natural color without artificial additives.

Chop up 2 kilos of apples.

Put some liquid at the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.

Steep liquorice and peppermint tea bags in 300 ml of water for about an hour.

Add the steeped tea to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.

Once the apples are soft, blend them until smooth.

Sieve the blended apple to remove small pieces of skin (optional).

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C.

Spread the apple puree in a roasting dish and put it in the oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, stir the mixture and put it back in the oven.

Repeat the stirring and baking process every 20 minutes for about an hour and a half until thickened.

After about 2.5 hours, check the mixture; it should be less liquid and thick like a paste.

Add about 1 teaspoon of liquorice extract and finely grated stick liquorice to the mixture, adjusting to taste.

Add 3-4 tablespoons of agar agar to the apple mixture and stir well.

Add 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the mixture for silkiness and mix thoroughly.

Heat the mixture on low heat to dissolve the agar agar.

Add 1 tablespoon of treacle/molasses to the mixture and adjust to taste.

Put the mixture in the fridge to see how it sets for a minute.

Dehydrate the mixture to achieve the desired texture, spreading it out on a tray.

Let the mixture cool for 1-2 hours before cutting into smaller pieces.

Arrange the cut pieces on a tray for dehydration, ensuring air circulation.

Dehydrate at 37 degrees C for about 10-11 hours overnight.

Check the texture after dehydration; it may need more time if not fully dried.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary