Vegan parmesan cheese is a delicious dairy-free alternative that can be used in many dishes, from pasta to pizza to salads. This cheese substitute is perfect for vegans, lactose intolerant individuals, or anyone looking for a healthier option.
Making vegan parmesan cheese is surprisingly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Nutritional yeast, cashews, garlic powder, and salt are the main ingredients used in most recipes. Simply blend all the ingredients together in a food processor until a fine meal is achieved, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This cheese substitute lasts for several weeks and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are vegan or simply looking for a healthier cheese alternative, vegan parmesan cheese is definitely worth a try.
Ingredients
When it comes to vegan parmesan cheese, there are a variety of ingredients that can be used to create the perfect cheesy flavor and texture. Here are some of the most common ingredients used in vegan parmesan cheese and vegan cheese sauce:
For the vegan parmesan cheese:
- Nuts: Brazil nuts, cashews, and almonds are popular choices for vegan parmesan cheese. They add a nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the cheese.
- Nutritional yeast: This is a key ingredient in vegan cheese recipes. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a cheesy, nutty flavor. It’s also a great source of vitamin B12, which is important for vegans who may not get enough of this vitamin from their diet.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps to bring out the flavors in the other ingredients and gives the cheese a savory taste.
- Garlic powder: This is an optional ingredient, but it adds a nice garlicky flavor to the cheese.
For the vegan cheese sauce:
- Plant-based milk: Any kind of plant-based milk can be used to make a vegan cheese sauce, such as almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. The milk provides a creamy base for the sauce.
- Vegan butter or oil: This adds richness to the sauce and helps to thicken it.
- Flour or cornstarch: This is used as a thickener for the sauce.
- Nutritional yeast: As mentioned before, nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in vegan cheese recipes. It adds a cheesy flavor to the sauce.
- Spices: Depending on the recipe, spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can be added to the sauce to give it more flavor.
Overall, the ingredients used in vegan parmesan cheese and vegan cheese sauce are simple and easy to find at most grocery stores. By using these ingredients, you can create delicious, dairy-free cheese alternatives that are perfect for a vegan diet.
Preparation
Making the Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Making vegan parmesan cheese is a quick and easy process that requires only a handful of ingredients. Most vegan parmesan cheese recipes call for nutritional yeast, raw cashews, garlic powder, and sea salt. However, some recipes may include additional ingredients like lemon juice or hemp seeds.
To make vegan parmesan cheese, simply add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until a fine, crumbly mixture forms. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more garlic or salt if desired. Store the vegan parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.
Making the Vegan Cheese Sauce
Vegan cheese sauce is a versatile and delicious alternative to traditional cheese sauce. Most vegan cheese sauce recipes call for ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder.
To make vegan cheese sauce, soak the cashews in water for a few hours or overnight to soften them. Drain the cashews and add them to a blender or food processor along with the nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and seasonings. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Vegan cheese sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from mac and cheese to nachos and more. It can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Assembly
Putting the dish together
After preparing your vegan parmesan cheese, it’s time to assemble your dish! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Pasta: Cook your favorite pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add a dollop of vegan butter or olive oil and stir in your vegan parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
- Pizza: Top your favorite pizza crust with tomato sauce, vegetables, and vegan cheese. Sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Salad: Toss your favorite greens with a light vinaigrette. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for your vegan parmesan cheese:
- Breadsticks: Serve breadsticks with a side of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese before serving.
- Gratin: Layer sliced potatoes and onions in a baking dish. Top with a mixture of vegan cream and vegan parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown.
Experiment with different dishes and serving suggestions to find your favorite way to enjoy vegan parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making vegan parmesan cheese is easy and doesn’t require many ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional parmesan cheese.
Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option or just want to try something new, these recipes are a great place to start. They’re versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to salads.
One of the great things about making your own vegan parmesan cheese is that you can customize it to your taste. You can adjust the amount of nutritional yeast or salt to make it more or less cheesy or salty. You can also experiment with different nuts or seeds, such as cashews or hemp seeds, to create different flavors and textures.
Overall, vegan parmesan cheese is a tasty and healthy addition to any meal. It’s a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite dishes without sacrificing taste or texture. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be?
Leave a Comment