Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a popular dairy product, but what about those who don't consume animal products? Vegans, who adhere to a strict plant-based diet, have a variety of options when it comes to vegan cheese, including vegan goat cheese. This alternative is made without goats, providing a dairy-free option that mimics the unique tangy flavour and creamy, crumbly texture of traditional goat cheese. With a growing community of plant-based cheese makers, vegans can now enjoy the taste of goat cheese without compromising their ethical values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is goat cheese vegan? | No, goat cheese is not vegan because it is an animal product. |
| Vegan alternatives | There are several recipes for vegan goat cheese that use ingredients like cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, and probiotics. |
| Taste | Some vegan goat cheese recipes produce a tangy flavor similar to traditional goat cheese. |
| Texture | Vegan goat cheese can have a creamy and crumbly texture similar to traditional goat cheese. |
| Uses | Vegan goat cheese can be used similarly to traditional goat cheese, including on salads, crackers, or in cooking. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese alternatives
Goat cheese, or "chevre" in French, is made from goat's milk and is a popular ingredient in cooking thanks to its complex flavour profile and versatility. However, it may not always be possible to find goat cheese in stores, or you may be looking for a substitute due to dietary restrictions or preferences.
Vegan Alternatives
For vegans, there are a few options for goat cheese alternatives. You can find recipes for vegan goat cheese online, which often use cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, and probiotics to create a tangy, creamy, and crumbly cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. These recipes can be tailored to your taste and can be made in under an hour, making them a convenient option.
Non-Vegan Alternatives
If you are not restricted to vegan options, there are several other types of cheese that can be used as substitutes for goat cheese. Cream cheese is a popular alternative due to its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy flavour. It is also affordable and works well in both hot and cold recipes. Another option is tofu, which has a texture similar to goat cheese and is ideal for those on dairy-free diets. However, tofu does not have a strong flavour, so it may not be the best choice if you are looking for something with a salty profile.
Other types of cheese that can be used as substitutes for goat cheese include mascarpone, ricotta salata, Parmesan, Pecorino, blue cheese, and feta. These cheeses can be used in recipes that call for goat cheese, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly different flavour and texture.
Additionally, you can get creative and experiment with any cheese that you enjoy. Substituting cheese that you like can lead to interesting flavour combinations, but it is recommended to start with small portions to ensure the flavours work well together.
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Veganism and animal cruelty
Veganism is a lifestyle and philosophy that seeks to exclude, as far as possible, all forms of cruelty to and exploitation of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. This includes dairy products derived from animals, such as goat cheese.
Goat cheese is typically made from goat's milk and, as such, is not considered vegan. However, there are now many vegan alternatives to goat cheese that are made from plant-based ingredients and are free from animal cruelty. These vegan cheeses provide the same tangy flavor and creamy, crumbly texture as traditional goat cheese, without the use of animal products.
One popular recipe for vegan goat cheese involves boiling cashews with lemon juice, processing them with vinegar, probiotic capsules, and water, and then adding hot water with agar-agar to create a solid cheese that can be sliced or crumbled. This cheese can be made in under an hour and is perfect for baking or grilling, or sprinkling over salads.
Vegan goat cheese is a versatile and flavorful option that can be enjoyed by those following a vegan lifestyle, as well as those who are allergic to dairy, or simply looking for a delicious and ethical alternative to traditional goat cheese. It is a great example of how veganism can offer animal-free alternatives that promote the benefit and welfare of animals without compromising on taste or texture.
By choosing vegan alternatives, individuals can align their dietary choices with their values, knowing that they are contributing to the reduction of animal cruelty and exploitation. This also promotes the development and support of innovative, animal-free products that are not only ethical but also offer health and environmental benefits.
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Making vegan goat cheese
Goat cheese is a dairy product and therefore not vegan-friendly. However, there are several recipes for vegan alternatives that closely resemble the real thing in terms of taste and texture.
Ingredients
- Raw cashews
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Agar agar powder
- Almond milk
- Coconut oil
- White vinegar
- Probiotic capsule or rejuvelac
- Salt
Method
- Soak the cashews in hot water for at least an hour.
- Add one teaspoon of lemon juice and bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare your moulds. You can use bowls, ramekins, or springform pans. Line them with baking paper if necessary.
- Dissolve the agar agar powder in cold water and bring to a boil, stirring continuously until it thickens.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, lemon juice, vinegar, coconut oil, almond milk, salt, and probiotic capsule or rejuvelac.
- Add the agar agar mixture to the blender and blend until combined.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared moulds.
- Place in the refrigerator until set, about one to two hours.
- Remove from the moulds and serve.
Tips
- The cultured version, made with probiotics or rejuvelac, has a tangier flavour that more closely resembles goat cheese.
- For a sweeter version, add minced dried fruit, chopped nuts, or maple syrup.
- To roll the cheese in herbs, bring it to room temperature first.
- The cheese can be sliced, crumbled, or baked.
- It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
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Vegan goat cheese recipes
Goat cheese is not suitable for vegans as it is made from goat milk. However, there are many vegan alternatives to goat cheese that can be made at home. These recipes tend to use tofu or cashews as a base, and often include lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and probiotics to achieve a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
The Fiery Vegetarian's One-Hour Vegan Goat Cheese
This recipe uses cashews as a base and can be made in under an hour. It can be crumbled, baked, grilled, and sliced. To make this recipe, boil cashews for 15 minutes, then process them with lemon juice, vinegar, and water. Add hot water with agar-agar and pour the mixture into a mold. The cheese can be crumbled with a fork and served on toast with tomatoes, onions, and black pepper.
Spabettie's Vegan Goat Cheese
This recipe is also based on cashews and can be made by combining soaked cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, the contents of a probiotic capsule, and water in a food processor or high-speed blender. The cheese can be served in a variety of ways, such as on a beet salad, in a cherry tart, or spread on a crisp cracker. For a sweeter option, add minced dates, figs, or dried apricots, and stir in maple syrup or your favorite sweetener. To make the cheese sliceable, add kappa carrageenan.
Plant Power Couple's Vegan Goat Cheese
This recipe uses tofu instead of cashews, making it a more cost-effective option. It also requires refined coconut oil, lemon juice, white miso paste, extra virgin olive oil, and plain unsweetened non-dairy milk. The result is a creamy cheese with a crumbly texture that can be spread on crostini, flatbread, or crackers.
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Buying vegan goat cheese
Vegan goat cheese is a great alternative to traditional goat cheese. It is dairy-free and perfect for those who are looking for a plant-based option. The good news is that it is incredibly easy to make at home and only takes about an hour. You can also buy it online from specialty stores.
Making vegan goat cheese at home
There are many recipes available online for making vegan goat cheese at home. The basic process involves boiling cashews, processing them with other ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, and probiotics, and then adding hot water with agar-agar to thicken the mixture. The cheese can then be poured into a mold and refrigerated.
If you don't want to make your own vegan goat cheese, you can buy it online from specialty stores. For example, Treeline Cheese offers a creamy, tangy, and dairy-free goat cheese alternative. You can also try AmazonFresh, which offers a range of vegan cheese options.
Tips for using vegan goat cheese
Vegan goat cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, just like traditional goat cheese. It is perfect on a beet salad, in a cherry tart, or simply spread on a crisp cracker. It can also be crumbled over salads or other dishes, baked, grilled, or sliced and used in sandwiches.
The benefits of vegan goat cheese
Vegan goat cheese is a great option for those who are looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional goat cheese. It is also a good source of beneficial bacteria and is nutritionally rich. Additionally, it is versatile and flavorful, making it a popular choice for those following a vegan diet.
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Frequently asked questions
No, traditional goat cheese is not vegan because it is derived from goat's milk, which is an animal product. However, there are many vegan alternatives to goat cheese that are made from plants and have a similar taste and texture to the traditional variety.
Vegan goat cheese is typically made from a base of soaked cashews, combined with vinegar, lemon juice, and a probiotic culture such as rejuvelac or a probiotic capsule.
Vegan goat cheese has a tangy, creamy, and crumbly texture similar to traditional goat cheese. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, tarts, and sandwiches.
You can find vegan goat cheese at some specialty cheese shops, such as Cultured Kindness in Portland, Oregon, or Treeline Cheese in Kingston, NY. You can also find vegan goat cheese at some supermarkets, including Natural Grocers and Kroger in the US. Additionally, there are many recipes available online for making your own vegan goat cheese at home.
