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Plant-based milks don't have the properties of dairy milk, so you can't exactly just swap almond milk in a dairy cheese process and have it turn out. Here are some important ingredients to include in the vegan cheese making process to ensure it turns out just right!
- Plant-based milk: such as almond and coconut milk
- Nutritional Yeast: used as a flavor booster and nutritional supplement
- Nuts: soaked and pureed nuts lend a creaminess to vegan cheese. Cashews are a go-to, but you can use almonds, pine nuts, and even Brazil nuts!
- Tapioca Starch: used for the melty quality
- Refined Coconut Oil: to add fat and richness, create a sliceable cheese. Don't use unrefined coconut oil, it will add too much of a coconut flavor!
- Agar Powder: a seaweed derived gelatin that gives body to vegan cheeses, aiming for a final texture of cheddar or mozzarella.
Next, the equipment needed to make your delicious vegan cheese! You can use a high powered blender or a food processor. Some recipes also call for a cheesecloth to strain the vegan cheese for a more coherent texture.
Now let's get into this delicious, quick and easy, vegan cheese recipe!
Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe:
(From Veggie Society's Website)
Though you could also make this vegan parmesan cheese with cashews, almonds or pine nuts, this recipe is partial to walnuts to add that buttery flavor!
- 1 cup raw walnuts (or pine nuts)
- 3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
- 3/4 tsp. sea salt
- 1/3 tsp. garlic powder (+ more to taste)
Add the walnuts (or pine nuts), nutritional yeast, sea salt and garlic powder to the bowl of a mini food processor. Buzz it a few times until a coarse texture is achieved reminiscent of grated parmesan cheese or wet sand. Taste and add more garlic powder and salt if desired. Store in a jar in the refrigerator and enjoy your healthy, plant-based, cheesy parmesan!
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