Homemade Vegan Cheese

5 min

15/05/2024

Vegan

Healthy

Vegan Recipes

Homemade
Vegan Cheese
Made Simple

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Quick Summary

Vegan cheese offers numerous health benefits compared to traditional cheese. It aids in managing cholesterol and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High in protein and completely free of animal products, vegan cheese is an excellent option for those with lactose intolerance. Using simple ingredients such as cashew nuts, coconut oil, and garlic, you can prepare it effortlessly at home. Versatile in use, vegan cheese can enhance pizzas, pasta dishes, sandwiches, dips, and more, serving as a healthier substitute for regular cheese.

Deep Dive

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Giving up cheese for a healthy lifestyle might seem like a huge deal breaker for any cheese-lover. Still, a study published in the Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases Journal found that a diet rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and nuts keeps blood pressure in control and lowers cholesterol levels. So, it's time to switch from regular cheese to healthy vegan cheese and reap the benefits of it.

What is Vegan Cheese?

Vegan cheese is a type of non-dairy cheese that is made from different types of plant-based sources, such as almonds, cashews, and macadamia. There are no traces of animal products present in it.

Aside from animal proteins, growth hormones and saturated animal fats, vegan cheese is a safe and healthy alternative for those who have allergies or are lactose intolerant. Since it's not made from animal products, it has zero cholesterol and trans-fats. Some plant-based cheese is free of preservatives, additives, stabilisers, and emulsifiers and may even be low in saturated fats.

Why Vegan Cheese?

There has always been a debate as to why one should have vegan cheese instead of regular cheese. Let us look at some points to intensify the claim.

Ideal for Lactose Intolerance

For those who are lactose intolerant, vegan cheese offers a superb alternative. It's free from animal proteins, saturated fats, and growth hormones, making it a gentle yet delicious swap for traditional dairy.

Heart-healthy Choice

Vegan cheese, derived from plant sources, contains no cholesterol and trans fats. This makes it a heart-healthy option, contributing positively to your overall well-being.

Nutrient-rich And Protein-packed

Many varieties of vegan cheese are not only high in protein but also rich in other nutrients. Adding vegan cheese to your diet enhances your meals with essential nutrients, supporting a healthy lifestyle.

How to Prepare Vegan Cheese at Home?

Making cheese at home might seem tiring, but believe us, it's surprisingly simple and worth the effort! By the end of this recipe, you'll have a firm vegan cheese that not only slices beautifully for sandwiches but also serves as a delicious dip for crackers and melts wonderfully on your favourite pasta, pizza, or nachos.

Recipe Facts

Prep Time - 5 mins

Cook Time - 10 mins

Servings – 2

What You’ll Need

2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 6 hours or overnight)
⅓ cup refined coconut oil (melted)
2 tablespoons green olive brine (the liquid in a jar of olives)
2 cloves garlic (peeled)
¾ teaspoon salt
Optional flavour additions: coarsely ground black pepper, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, dill, rosemary, parsley, or basil)

Preparation

Take a medium pot. Put the cashews and water in it. Boil it over high heat for 10 minutes. The cashew nuts will start to get tender. Drain and rinse it with cold water.
Alternatively, you can soak the cashews by placing them in a bowl, covering them with water, and allowing them to soak for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before using. Both methods will soften the cashews, making them easier to blend into a creamy texture.
Add the softened cashews to a food processor along with coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. Blend the mixture until smooth, creamy, and sticky. Keep on scraping the sides as needed. It will likely get warm while blending because of the friction.
The next step is to form the cheese. Place two cake moulds or two small bowls with a square of cheesecloth. Divide the cheese mixture among the two cheesecloth-lined moulds uniformly. If you’re adding fresh herbs, sprinkle them over the cheese and blend the herbs into the cheese.
Even out the top of the cheese with a spatula and fold the cheesecloth over the cheese. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, depending on how firm you want it. If you want to use it in the form of a paste, freezing it for some time will do. If you want to use it in the form of cubes or slices, we recommend freezing it overnight.
Vegan cheese beautifully combines health and flavour, so you no longer have to give up your favourite dishes. Enjoy the rich, delicious taste of homemade vegan cheese and indulge in its freshness without any compromise.

Final Thoughts

Vegan cheese has been rapidly gaining momentum in the market because of its several health benefits as compared to regular cheese. Vegan cheese is a boon for people who are lactose intolerant and do not like animal products in their food. With limited items, one can easily prepare it and enjoy it on their sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, pasta and several delicious items.

So, what are you waiting for? Go, try it and let us know your experience.