Rich, thick and creamy, this ackee peanut punch is everything! It hits all the right notes and on top of that, it’s vegan!
Like many of Trinidad’s culinary offerings be it punch, doubles, roti or pies, you name it, everyone knows someone who makes it “the best”. I’m just going to go ahead and declare that my granny makes the best peanut punch no contest! We could have this argument all day so we won’t even go there, I’ll just let my declaration stand so we can keep it moving, ok? Ok! 🤣
With my granny’s punch in mind, I set out create a vegan version incorporating ackees and I’m proud to say I’ve done just that and I’d be pleased to serve this version right alongside hers (it’s that good!)
The recipe is super easy to make but you might want to make it a day ahead so it can chill thoroughly.
What kind of milk is used to make vegan peanut punch?
I’ve used store bought unsweetened oat milk purely out of convenience.(Make your own by blending one part oats with three parts water and straining it). Being mellow in flavour it forms a lovely base for the punch, amplifying the peanut rather than trying to steal the show. Like the oats, the ackees play a supporting role in terms of their flavour. Their distinctive richness and emulsification properties along with the thickening power of the arrowroot give the punch it’s full body and creaminess.
Wide eyed, shocked and impressed hubby asked if it was really vegan due to the rich and silky mouth-feel reminiscent of a dairy based drink. You will be happy you did if you give this one a try, it’s truly a delicious, unique and amazing ackee recipe (see what I did there 😆).
As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below and if you make this or any other recipe from the site, be sure to #amazingackee across social media so I can see your post.
Until next time. Thanks for stopping by!
Vegan Trini-Style Peanut Punch
Ingredients
- 2 cups Unsweetened Oat Milk
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsps Water separated
- 4 tsps Arrowroot powder*
- 1/2 cup Parboiled Ackee
- 1/2 cup Smooth Peanut Butter you can use chunky if you prefer a bit a texture
- 2 tbsps Cane sugar up to 4 tbsps if sweeter punch is preferred
- Dash of Angostura Bitters optional
- Dash of Cinnamon optional
- Freshly ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the oat milk and 1/2 cup water and place over medium low heat
- Whisk together arrowroot powder with the remaining 2 tbsps water then add to the saucepan. Continue to cook stirring occasionally until thickened (about 3 minutes)
- Pour oat milk mixture into blender and add ackee, peanut butter, sugar, bitters and cinnamon and nutmeg if using
- Blend until completely smooth, taste and add more sugar if desired
- Pour into clean jar and chill in refrigerator overnight (alternately, you could chill it a couple hours and serve over ice)
- Serve cold with a dash of cinnamon and more grated nutmeg on top if desired
- Enjoy!