Vegan Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Start by making the jelly. Put the sugar, lemon zest and juice in a saucepan with 150ml of warm water and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat, add the chamomile tea and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve into a clean pan and sprinkle the Vege-Gel on top. Leave to sit for 5 minutes then place back on the heat and bring to the boil, continuously whisking. Boil for 3 minutes, then pour through a fine sieve into a clean container. Refrigerate until set

For the cocoa nibs, put the sugar and chamomile into a small, heavy-based saucepan over a moderately high heat. Gently shake the pan when you see the sugar beginning to melt. Do not stir as this may cause the caramel to crystallise. As it continues to melt, keep shaking and swirling the pan until a deep caramel is formed. Add the cacao nibs and mix well. Remove from the heat and spread, as thinly as possible, on a silicone mat or a baking tray greased with a little oil. Allow to cool, then finely chop

Meanwhile, whisk the aquafaba in a bowl with an electric whisk, or using a stand mixer, until stiff. Gradually add the sugar, then continue whisking for up to 10 minutes until glossy and thick. Add the xanthan gum and whisk for a further 3 minutes on a high speed

While the meringue is whisking, put the chocolate in a medium bowl over a small saucepan half-filled with water. Set the pan over a moderately high heat until the water is gently simmering. Stir the chocolate until it has completely melted and no lumps remain. Put the creams in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Transfer the bowl of chocolate to the worktop and pour in the hot cream. Whisk well, then gently fold the meringue into the chocolate and spoon into a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes

To serve, roughly chop the caramelised cocoa nibs. Scatter on 8 plates, then divide the passion fruit pulp and jelly between the plates. Finish with a large scoop of the chocolate mousse.