Madeleines are a traditional French dessert that’s known for its light yet rich texture. It’s usually baked in a shell-shaped tray, which gives it a unique look. When done just right, madeleines have a crisp outer layer and a moist, fluffy inside. They’re so irresistible that they’ve become a staple in French pastry shops and cafes all over the world.
These delicate and beautiful cake like French cookies have always intrigued me. It is a relatively easy recipe but the result is these fluffy delicate cookies! The classic recipe calls for eggs and that is exactly how I made it the first time. But I have been wanting to experiment with an eggless version too. Then it occurred to me, why not try a vegan version instead?
Well this recipe is inspired by some beautiful fresh Summer flavours of Lemon and Basil but you can enjoy these cookies all year round. A cup of tea, coffee or even milk will make for a perfect combination! Basil is a savoury flavour but it works wonderfully well in this recipe along with lemons. The combination of basil and lemon zest brings a very beautiful, almost floral aroma to these madeleines!
This version here is almost as healthy as a madeleine can get. With the goodness of almonds, wholegrain flour, natural unrefined sugar (you can use any sweetener of your choice), extra virgin olive oil, plant based milk and fresh lemon! To add to this, chia seeds here give it an extra crunch and health boost. These tiny superfoods bring in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, making the treat more nutritious. Don’t these ingredients sound exciting?
I used spelt flour for making these madeleines, simply because I had some spelt flour that was about to go bad. Regular all purpose flour or wholewheat flour (aata) will work perfectly in this recipe.
With all these elements combined, the Vegan Lemon Basil Chia Seed Madeleines are a snack where every bite is a delight to the senses. It’s light, refreshing, and irresistibly good – truly a snack worth trying!
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