Are you a vegan and missing the taste of cheese? Don't worry, we have got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making vegan cheese at home. Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and is free from all animal products. It is a perfect alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy products or simply want to switch to a healthier lifestyle.
Ingredients
To make vegan cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of cashews (soaked in water for at least 2 hours)
1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/4 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup of tapioca flour
1 tsp of garlic powder
1 tsp of onion powder
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of water
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let's get started with the instructions:
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, coconut oil, tapioca flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water.
Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat while constantly stirring.
As you continue stirring, the mixture will start to thicken and form a stretchy texture like cheese.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Your vegan cheese is now ready to be served!
Nutrition
Vegan cheese is a healthy alternative to dairy cheese as it is free from animal products, lactose, and cholesterol. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition in one serving (30g) of vegan cheese:
Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Variations
You can experiment with different flavors and textures of vegan cheese by adding various ingredients to the basic recipe. Here are some variations you can try:
Add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and black olives for a Mediterranean flavor.
Add smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes for a Mexican twist.
Add turmeric for a yellow cheese-like color and a subtle flavor.
Add miso paste for a cheesy umami flavor.
Conclusion
Making vegan cheese at home is easy, healthy, and delicious. It's a perfect alternative for those who want to avoid dairy products or simply want to switch to a healthier lifestyle. With a little bit of experimentation, you can create your own unique flavors and textures of vegan cheese. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of cheese without any guilt!