Randy Chandler
Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient in vegan cooking, often used to create a cheesy flavour in plant-based dishes. It is a deactivated form of yeast, which means it cannot be used for baking, but it is perfect for creating vegan cheese sauces. Nutritional yeast is combined with various other ingredients to make vegan cheese, including coconut milk, tapioca flour, potatoes, carrots, onions, and cashews or white beans. These sauces can be used as dips, drizzled over nachos, or used in dishes such as mac and cheese, lasagne, and pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Nutritional yeast, potatoes, carrots, onions, cashews or white beans, coconut oil or vegan butter, flour, salt, spices, water or plant-based milk, lemon juice |
| Equipment | High-speed blender, saucepan, stove, microwave |
| Time | 3-10 minutes to make, 5-7 days shelf life |
| Taste | Cheesy, nutty, tangy, savory, buttery, salty |
| Texture | Creamy, rich, smooth, stretchy, oozy, gooey |
| Use | Dip, drizzle, spread, pour, sprinkle |
| Food pairings | Pasta, nachos, pizza, lasagna, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, veggies, sandwiches, stuffed peppers |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ingredients
The first key ingredient is nutritional yeast, which is a deactivated form of yeast often used in vegan cooking to impart a nutty, cheesy flavour. It is a crucial ingredient in vegan cheese recipes and can be purchased in the form of powder or flakes.
The next important ingredient is a base to thicken the sauce. This can be potatoes, carrots, or a combination of both. Yukon Gold potatoes are often recommended for their creamy texture and rich flavour, but Russet or red potatoes can also be used. When it comes to carrots, it is important to ensure they are cooked until tender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the final product.
The third key ingredient is a source of fat, which contributes to the creamy texture and mouthfeel of the vegan cheese. This can be coconut milk, vegan butter, or a plant-based milk such as soy milk or almond milk. If using coconut milk, it is worth noting that it contributes to a richer flavour, and the higher the fat content, the better the taste.
Additionally, you can include spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your vegan cheese. Some popular options include salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and pepper. You can also add ingredients like lemon juice to brighten the flavour or apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish.
Lastly, some recipes call for flour to help bind the ingredients together and create a smoother texture. Tapioca flour or starch is a popular choice as it adds elasticity and stretchiness to the sauce, making it reminiscent of real cheese. However, other options include arrowroot flour, cornstarch, or even all-purpose, white wheat, or chickpea flour.
With these ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious, creamy, and cheesy vegan sauce.
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Melting the butter
Once the butter is melted, it is time to add the spices. Whisk the butter and spices together until they are fully combined and you have a smooth mixture. This step helps to infuse the butter with flavour and creates a base for your vegan cheese sauce. You can choose a variety of spices depending on your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Some common spices used in vegan cheese sauces include salt, pepper, paprika powder, curry powder, and garlic powder.
After whisking in the spices, it is time to add the flour. This step will help to thicken the mixture and create a base for the cheese sauce. Use a whisk to combine the flour with the melted butter and spices until you have a smooth and homogeneous mixture. It is normal for the mixture to become crumbly at this stage, so don't worry if it looks a little lumpy.
Finally, add the nutritional yeast and whisk again. The nutritional yeast is what gives the vegan cheese sauce its characteristic cheesy flavour and colour. Whisk the mixture until the nutritional yeast is fully incorporated. At this point, your melted butter base is ready for the next steps in making your vegan cheese sauce!
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Adding spices, flour and yeast
Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in making vegan cheese, giving it that nutty, cheesy flavor. But what about the other ingredients? Well, spices, flour, and yeast are also important components.
Spices
Spices are a great way to add depth of flavor to your vegan cheese. Some commonly used spices include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different spices, such as curry powder, to find your perfect blend.
Flour
The type of flour you use can also affect the taste and texture of your vegan cheese. Tapioca flour, also called tapioca starch, is a popular choice as it adds elasticity and stretchiness, making the sauce resemble real cheese. If you don't have tapioca flour, you can use arrowroot flour or cornstarch, although the result may not be as stretchy. Additionally, you can make your cheese sauce gluten-free by using chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to roast the chickpea flour in a pan first to get rid of any beany taste.
Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast that is often used in vegan cooking to impart a cheesy flavor. It is usually found in the form of flakes or powder and can be purchased online or in the baking section of grocery stores. When adding nutritional yeast to your sauce, simply whisk it in after melting the butter and combining the flour and spices.
With these ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can make a delicious and versatile vegan cheese sauce that can be used on pizzas, pastas, nachos, and more!
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Blending the mixture
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start blending, ensure that all your ingredients are properly measured and ready to go. This includes having your spices and seasonings mixed and matched to your preference. If you're using potatoes, carrots, or onions, it's important to dice them into small, even pieces to ensure they blend smoothly. For potatoes, especially Yukon Gold potatoes, boiling or steaming them until fork-tender before blending is recommended for a creamier texture. Soaking cashews in warm water for about 30 minutes is also suggested if you're using a regular blender to help achieve a smoother consistency.
Blending Process
Once your ingredients are prepared, it's time to start blending! Combine all your ingredients, including the nutritional yeast, in a high-speed blender. If you're making a stovetop cheese sauce, ensure that your vegan butter or coconut oil has melted and combined with the spices and flour before adding the nutritional yeast and other ingredients to the blender.
Achieving the Right Consistency
As you blend, gradually add liquid (water, plant-based milk, or the water leftover from cooking veggies) a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency. The amount of liquid you add will depend on how thick or thin you want your cheese sauce to be. Keep blending and adding liquid until you reach a smooth and creamy texture. If you're making a stovetop sauce, you can add the liquid while whisking to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust
After blending, take a moment to taste your creation! If you feel it needs a little something extra, you can adjust the seasonings, add more nutritional yeast for cheesiness, or even add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Play around with the ingredients until you find a balance that suits your palate.
Storing and Reheating
Your vegan cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or plant-based milk to adjust the consistency.
Remember, blending is a crucial step in achieving the perfect vegan cheese sauce, so take your time, taste as you go, and adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences!
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Storing and reheating
Storing your vegan cheese sauce is simple. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should last for up to 5 to 7 days. If you're not planning on eating it within this time, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Portion it into smaller servings and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
When you're ready to eat your sauce, you can reheat it in a few ways. You can use the stovetop, heating it gently over low heat and stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between. If your sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of liquid to thin it out. You can use water, plant-based milk, non-dairy milk, or vegetable broth.
It's important to always use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. If you notice any changes in smell, texture, or appearance, it's best to discard it.
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