Bushra Griffith
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used to add flavour to pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and more. While there are many varieties of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto, the most popular variety is made by crushing basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and some hard cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino, in a food processor or blender. However, it is not necessary to include cheese in pesto, and there are many recipes for vegan pesto that omit cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast or additional nuts.
Do I have to put cheese in my pesto?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese-free pesto | It is easy to make pesto without cheese, and it can be made vegan by substituting nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. |
| Classic pesto ingredients | Classic pesto includes basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and hard cheese such as Parmesan or pecorino. |
| Cheese texture | For texture, a hard, dry, and brittle cheese is best. |
| Cheese alternatives | Alternatives to cheese include substituting other nuts, such as pine nuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or cashews. |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast related to the yeast used in baking bread. It is a vegan condiment or seasoning that lends a cheesy flavour to dishes. Nutritional yeast is an important ingredient in vegan cheese sauces as it adds a cheesy flavour. It also thickens the sauce and adds an umami flavour.
To make a vegan cheese sauce with nutritional yeast, melt vegan butter in a pan over low heat, then add flour, salt, and spices. Whisk until combined. Then, slowly whisk in water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. You can add more water if needed. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Some brands of nutritional yeast contain B-vitamins, which give the yeast flakes a yellow colour. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder can also enhance the colour. Nutritional yeast can also be used to make gluten-free, soy-free, and coconut-free cheese sauces. For example, chickpea flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour, and soy-free vegan butter can be used.
Nutritional yeast can be added to various dishes to impart a cheesy flavour. Some examples include nutritional yeast popcorn, nutritional yeast tofu, and using it in sauces for nachos, mac and cheese, and pizza.
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Other nuts as a replacement for cheese
While the traditional pesto recipe calls for pine nuts, you can easily substitute them with other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Toasting the nuts in the oven before adding them to your pesto will lend dark, roasty notes to your sauce. If you're looking for a dairy-free pesto, you can leave out the cheese altogether and increase the quantity of nuts and seeds.
When it comes to cheese, most pesto recipes call for Parmesan, but you can use any hard, salty, aged cheese such as Pecorino Romano, aged manchego, aged gouda, aged cheddar, Grana Padano, Gruyere, or Asiago.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of nuts and cheeses to find your favorite pesto variation. You can also play around with the other ingredients, such as substituting basil with other leafy greens or herbs like parsley, cilantro, spinach, or arugula.
Remember, the key elements of a great pesto are the verdant base, the salty aged cheese, the rich, earthy nuts, and a good-quality oil to bring it all together.
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Using ricotta cheese instead
While most pesto recipes call for hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a combination of the two, you can easily substitute ricotta cheese for a creamy, mild-flavoured alternative.
Ricotta pesto is an excellent option for those who are vegetarian, as many store-bought pestos contain Parmesan, which is not suitable for vegetarian diets. It is also a great source of complete protein and calcium.
To make ricotta pesto, simply combine ricotta, pesto, and pasta water in a pot and stir until it becomes a creamy sauce. You can adjust the ratio of cheese and pesto to your taste preference, adding more of either ingredient for a stronger flavour. For a little kick, you can also add apple cider vinegar.
This pesto pairs well with pasta, proteins like chicken or shrimp, grains, and vegetables. It can be used as a spread, dip, or pizza sauce, or even as a topping for proteins and grains. The versatility of ricotta pesto makes it a delicious and easy option for busy weeknights.
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Pre-made vegan pesto
While pesto traditionally contains cheese, there are many pre-made vegan pesto options available. These are usually made with alternative ingredients to achieve a creamy texture and similar flavour.
One popular option is Trader Joe's Vegan Pesto, which is flavoured with kale, cashew butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This product is relatively inexpensive compared to other similar products and can be used in pasta or as a spread for sandwiches or bread. Another option is Victoria Vegan Pesto-Alfredo sauce, which is also flavoured with cashew cream and is one of the creamiest vegan pestos on the market. This product is available at Greenwise Market, Whole Foods, Frys, Winn Dixie, Albertsons, and more.
If you're looking for a more unique flavour, Jar Goods Beet + Basil Pesto is a clean-label vegan pesto that is flavoured with marinated beets. This product does not contain cashews, a common ingredient in many other vegan pesto sauces, but it does contain walnuts. It can be found at select health food stores or on the Jar Goods website.
For those who prefer a pesto paste over a jarred sauce, Amore Pesto Paste is a popular and easily accessible option. Pesto paste has the advantage of lasting longer in the refrigerator than jarred sauces, making it a convenient choice for adding a small amount of pesto flavour to sandwiches or appetizers.
Lastly, Sprouts Farmers Market offers an affordable and organic vegan pesto made with cashews, potatoes, tofu, and basil. This product is USDA certified organic and can be purchased at Sprouts Farmers Market locations.
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Freezing pesto without cheese
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used to enhance the flavour of many dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Freezing pesto is a great way to preserve it and have it readily available whenever you need it.
When freezing pesto without cheese, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method is to freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. To do this, line an ice cube tray with plastic wrap and fill each cube with the pesto sauce, leaving out the cheese. Once frozen, remove the pesto cubes from the tray and store them in a freezer-safe, zip-top bag. This method allows you to easily thaw individual portions as needed.
Another method is to freeze pesto in a flat layer on a baking sheet. Spread the pesto evenly on a quarter sheet pan or tray lined with wax or parchment paper to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Place another piece of wax or parchment paper on top and freeze for a few hours until firm. Once frozen, slice the pesto sheet into wedges and store them in a small zip-top freezer bag. This method allows you to break off the amount of pesto you need, and it defrosts quickly due to its thin shape.
Additionally, you can freeze pesto in small jars or plastic containers. Simply spoon the pesto into the containers, leaving out the cheese, and seal tightly before placing in the freezer. This method allows you to freeze larger portions of pesto and can be stored for up to 9-12 months.
When using any of these methods, it is recommended to add a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto before freezing to help preserve its flavour and freshness.
Once you're ready to use your frozen pesto, simply thaw it and stir in grated cheese. This ensures that the cheese retains its texture and flavour, as freezing grated cheese can cause a significant change in its consistency upon thawing.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can make pesto without cheese.
A typical pesto recipe calls for basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and hard cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino.
You can use nutritional yeast to get a creamy, cheesy taste and consistency. You can also add more nuts to your pesto to make up for the absence of cheese.
It is recommended to use a hard, dry, and somewhat brittle cheese such as Parmigiano, Grana Padano, or pecorino, which does not melt easily.
Processed cheese is generally too soft and does not have the right flavor to be used in pesto.
