Frederic Melton
There are many ways to make vegan cheese smooth and creamy. One popular method involves blending soaked cashews with coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. The cashews need to be softened by either boiling them for about 10 minutes or soaking them in water for a minimum of 6 hours before blending. You can also make a creamy vegan cheese using coconut milk and agar agar, a natural vegetable gum. To get the right texture, it's important to cook the mixture over medium heat until it boils and then reduce the heat and stir constantly for a few minutes until it becomes very smooth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Softening agent | Water |
| Softening method | Soak cashews in water for a minimum of 2 hours or boil for 10 minutes |
| Softening time | 2 hours or more |
| Softening temperature | Room temperature or high heat |
| Blending ingredients | Cashews, coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, salt, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, onion powder, extra-virgin olive oil, water |
| Blending time | 5 minutes or more |
| Blending consistency | Smooth, creamy, sticky |
| Thickening agent | Agar agar, kappa carrageenan, cornstarch, tapioca starch, psyllium husk powder |
| Thickening method | Boil agar agar for at least 1 minute |
| Thickening time | 6 minutes or more |
| Shaping method | Pour into a baking sheet, spread into a thin layer |
| Shaping temperature | Room temperature |
| Setting time | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Setting temperature | Refrigerated |
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What You'll Learn
Soften cashews by boiling or soaking
Softening cashews is the first step to making smooth and creamy vegan cheese. Place the cashews in a medium pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and let the cashews boil for about 10 minutes until they are tender. Drain the water and rinse the cashews with cold water. Alternatively, you can soak the cashews in water for a minimum of 3 to 6 hours or even overnight. The longer you soak them, the creamier the cheese will be. Drain and rinse the cashews before blending them.
Boiling is a quick method to soften cashews, taking only about 10 minutes. However, it may not yield the same level of creaminess as soaking the cashews for a longer period. Soaking cashews is a simple process that involves placing them in a bowl and covering them with water. The cashews will absorb water and soften over time, making them ideal for blending into a smooth and creamy texture.
The minimum soaking time recommended is 3 to 6 hours, but you can also leave them overnight for an even creamier result. If you are in a hurry, hot water can be used to speed up the softening process. After soaking, remember to drain and rinse the cashews before proceeding to the next step in your vegan cheese-making journey.
Both boiling and soaking are effective methods to soften cashews, and the choice depends on your time availability and desired level of creaminess. Once the cashews are softened, you can move on to the blending stage, where you will add other ingredients to create your own delicious and smooth vegan cheese.
By softening cashews through boiling or soaking, you are preparing them to be blended into a smooth and creamy texture. This initial step is crucial in creating a delicious vegan cheese that rivals its dairy-based counterparts. With softened cashews as your foundation, you can experiment with various ingredients and techniques to craft a vegan cheese that suits your taste preferences and culinary needs.
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Blend with coconut oil, brine, garlic and salt
To make a smooth and creamy vegan cheese, you will need raw cashews, refined coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. The raw cashews form the base of the cheese, providing a smooth and creamy texture.
First, soften the cashews by adding them to a pot of water and boiling them for about 10 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can soak the cashews in water for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the cashews before blending.
Next, add the softened cashews to a food processor along with the coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and sticky, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed. The blending process should take around 5 minutes, and the friction may cause the mixture to warm up.
At this point, you can optionally add in chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, coarsely ground black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor of your vegan cheese. Blend these additional ingredients into the mixture until well combined.
Once you have achieved a smooth and creamy consistency, your vegan cheese is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as a snack with crackers or bread, dollop it onto pasta, crumble it over roasted vegetables, spread it on toast, or add it to a salad or vegan cheeseboard.
This method of blending softened cashews with coconut oil, brine, garlic, and salt creates a versatile and delicious vegan cheese that can be tailored to your taste preferences with various add-ins. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and discovering the endless possibilities of vegan cheese!
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Add agar agar for a firm, sliceable texture
To make a firm, sliceable block of vegan cheese, you'll need to add agar agar to your cheese mixture. Agar agar is a plant-based vegan gelatin made from seaweed. It is white, translucent, and tasteless, and it comes in flakes, powder, bars, and strands.
Agar powder is the most common and best form of agar for vegan cheese recipes. It is a perfect vegan gelling agent and works well with other ingredients like cashews or white beans. The powder is preferred over flakes because it dissolves more easily and requires less quantity. If you only have agar flakes, you will need to triple the amount.
To prepare a firm, sliceable vegan cheese, first, combine the agar agar powder with water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and whisk continuously for about a minute. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture into a blender with the rest of your cheese mix. Blend until smooth. You can now transfer the mixture to a mold. You can use a glass, metal, or plastic container lined with plastic film as a mold. Alternatively, use a silicone mold.
Place your mold in the fridge overnight to set. You can enjoy your vegan cheese over the next few days. You can also add seasonings like dried herbs, chilli powder, liquid smoke, or pickle juice.
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Form cheese by using moulds or a baking sheet
Forming your vegan cheese is an important step in the cheese-making process. You can use moulds or small bowls with cheesecloth to shape your cheese.
First, prepare your moulds or bowls. If using moulds, spray them with a light coating of spray oil or rub them with a neutral-flavoured oil to prevent sticking. If using bowls, line them with squares of cheesecloth. The cheesecloth will help you remove the cheese from the bowl once it has set, so it is important to use this if you are opting for bowls.
Next, divide your cheese mixture between your moulds or bowls. If you are adding fresh herbs, now is the time to sprinkle them over the cheese. Use a chopstick or similar utensil to swirl the herbs into the cheese gently. You can also add other ingredients, such as red pepper flakes, fresh flat-leaf parsley, or diced green olives. If you prefer plain cheese, simply divide the cheese between your moulds or bowls without adding any extras.
Once you have added your desired ingredients, smooth the top of the cheese with a spatula. If using moulds, you can skip this step and move straight to refrigerating the cheese. However, if using bowls, you will need to fold the cheesecloth over the cheese after smoothing the top.
Finally, place your moulds or bowls in the refrigerator and leave them for a few hours or overnight until the cheese has firmed up. Once the cheese has set, you can remove it from the moulds or unwrap it from the cheesecloth and enjoy!
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Refrigerate to set
Refrigeration is a key step in making vegan cheese and ensuring it sets smoothly. The duration of refrigeration varies depending on the recipe and the desired consistency of the cheese.
Some recipes recommend refrigerating the cheese for a few hours until it firms up. This can be done by lining a mould or a small bowl with cheesecloth, adding the cheese mixture, and then covering it with the cheesecloth. The cheese can then be refrigerated for a few hours or even overnight. This process helps the cheese firm up and gives it a smooth texture.
Other recipes suggest a more specific timeframe for refrigeration. For example, one recipe recommends refrigerating the cheese for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets firmly. This involves preparing the cheese sauce, allowing it to cool for about 15 minutes at room temperature, and then transferring it to the refrigerator.
The type of ingredients used in vegan cheese can also impact the refrigeration process. For instance, coconut oil-based vegan cheeses can be left out at room temperature for longer periods without spoiling. However, it is still recommended to store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
Additionally, the packaging and storage containers play a role in preserving vegan cheese. Some cheeses come packaged in paper, which is not airtight, leading to a shorter shelf life. Using airtight containers and storing the cheese away from heat and light can help maintain its quality.
Overall, refrigeration is an essential step in the process of making vegan cheese. It helps the cheese set smoothly and firmly, and it also extends its shelf life. The duration of refrigeration may vary, but it typically ranges from a few hours to overnight, depending on the desired consistency and the ingredients used.
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Frequently asked questions
To make smooth vegan cheese, you need to blend the ingredients until they are well incorporated and smooth. You can use a blender or food processor. If you are using cashews, it is best to soften them first by soaking them in water for a minimum of 2 hours or boiling them for 10 minutes. Then add your softened cashews to the blender with the rest of your ingredients. You can also add tapioca starch to make the cheese stretchy, or agar agar to help it set firm.
There are many different recipes for making smooth vegan cheese, but common ingredients include cashews, coconut milk, coconut oil, olive oil, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt.
Blend the ingredients for around 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and well incorporated. You may need to stop to scrape the sides of your blender or food processor.
