Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient, often used in Greek and Turkish cuisine, as well as in salads and with crackers. For vegans, it can be a much-missed ingredient, but there are several substitutes available. Some companies, such as Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Trader Joe's, produce vegan feta cheese, which can be purchased in stores. However, some people prefer to make their own vegan feta cheese at home, often using tofu as a base, as well as coconut oil, lemon juice, and various herbs and spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, crumbly, firm, smooth |
| Taste | Salty, tangy, savoury, spicy, aromatic |
| Ingredients | Tofu, coconut oil, lemon juice, cashews, almonds, vegetable shortening, cocoa butter, oregano, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper |
| Brands | Violife, Follow Your Heart, Trader Joe's |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes to a few hours |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for weeks or months |
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What You'll Learn
Tofu as a base
Tofu is a fantastic base for vegan feta cheese, offering a low-fat, high-protein alternative that is both healthy and delicious. It is also a good source of essential minerals, including iron and calcium.
To make tofu feta, start by pressing and draining a block of firm or extra-firm tofu. This step is important as it helps to remove excess liquid, allowing the tofu to better absorb the flavours of the marinade. You can use a tofu press, or simply wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes.
While the tofu is pressing, prepare the marinade. A simple marinade can be made by mixing lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, and oregano, with salt to taste. For a more complex flavour profile, additional ingredients such as red wine vinegar, nutritional yeast, basil, and parsley can be added.
Once the tofu is pressed and drained, cut it into small cubes and place them into the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 48 hours for a stronger flavour. The longer it rests, the more the tofu will develop a salty, briny taste similar to that of feta.
This tofu feta can be served in a variety of ways. It can be crumbled over salads, pasta dishes, soups, or stews, adding a salty, cheesy touch. It can also be blended and used as a pizza topping or in baked feta pasta. With its versatility and authentic feta flavour, tofu feta is an excellent vegan substitute that can be tailored to suit individual tastes.
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Coconut oil for firmness
Coconut oil is an important ingredient in making vegan feta cheese. It is what gives the cheese its firmness and sets it apart from other substitutes that are more spreadable. Coconut oil becomes solid when chilled, which is why it is used to firm up the cheese. No other oil will work in the same way, although vegetable shortening can be used as a substitute. However, it will not provide the exact same firm texture as coconut oil.
The firmness of vegan feta cheese is an important quality, as it allows the cheese to be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be crumbled, cubed, or melted. This versatility is one of the reasons why feta is such a popular cheese, and so it is desirable to replicate this in vegan substitutes.
There are a number of recipes for vegan feta cheese that use coconut oil to achieve this firmness. One recipe calls for a block of firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes, which is then mixed with melted coconut oil, lemon juice, and salt and flavorings. This mixture is then left to set overnight in the fridge. Another recipe uses a similar method but adds extra ingredients such as almonds or cashews. This recipe also includes a tip to microwave the tofu for around 50 seconds before using it.
Firmness is not the only important quality of vegan feta cheese. Taste is also key, and the use of coconut oil ensures that the cheese has a tangy and savory profile. This is because coconut oil has a mild flavor that does not overpower the other ingredients. The result is a cheese that tastes surprisingly similar to traditional feta, with a salty and savory flavor and a rich mouthfeel.
Overall, coconut oil is an essential ingredient in creating a firm and tasty vegan feta cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. Its unique properties give the cheese the desired texture and flavor, making it a popular choice for those following a vegan diet.
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Marinating for flavour
Creating a vegan feta cheese that tastes like the real deal can be achieved through a strategic marinating process. The longer the marinade sits, the more the tofu will develop a salty, briny taste akin to feta.
There are several ways to create a marinade that will help the tofu develop a feta-like flavour. One method is to use the brine from herbed olives, adding salt and lemon. Caper brine can also be used as a base for the marinade. For a Greek-style feta, a marinade can be made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
For those who want to avoid oil, it is possible to create a marinade with vegetable shortening, though this will result in a softer texture.
Once the marinade is prepared, the tofu cubes are placed in a small casserole dish and the marinade is poured over them. The tofu should be turned in the marinade to ensure all sides are coated. The dish is then baked in the oven at 170°C for 30 minutes, being turned over halfway through.
After baking, the vegan feta can be used immediately or stored in the fridge for several weeks.
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Commercial vegan feta
Violife feta, for example, is known for its smooth and creamy texture, though some say it doesn't taste very much like feta. It is also free of nuts and gluten, making it a good option for those with allergies.
Some commercial vegan feta options may be made from tofu, which is a popular base for vegan cheese due to its protein content and ability to take on flavours. Tofu feta can be purchased or made at home by pressing and marinating blocks of extra firm tofu in a mixture of herbs, spices, and oil. This process gives the tofu a savoury, salty flavour similar to that of dairy feta.
Another option for commercial vegan feta is to look for recipes from vegan chefs and bloggers, some of whom may sell their products online. For example, Mel of A Virtual Vegan offers a recipe for vegan feta that she describes as "tangy, salty, [and] cheesy" and can be made either soft and spreadable or firm and crumbly. Similarly, Veta from Daily Vegan is a vegan feta recipe that uses tofu and an aromatic marinade to create a plant-based alternative to sheep's cheese. This recipe is noted for not melting when heated, which is a common issue with store-bought vegan cheeses.
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Nut allergies
- Awareness of Ingredients: When purchasing or preparing vegan feta cheese, always read the ingredient list carefully. Some common nuts used in vegan cheese include cashews, almonds, and coconut. Be cautious of terms like "tree nuts" or "nut milk," as they indicate the presence of nuts.
- Allergy Severity and Cross-Contamination: The severity of your nut allergy will determine the level of caution you need to take. If you have a severe allergy, even trace amounts of nuts can cause a reaction. Be mindful of potential cross-contamination during the manufacturing or preparation process. Choose products that are specifically labeled "nut-free" to minimize the risk of exposure.
- Alternative Recipes: If you're making vegan feta cheese at home, there are several nut-free alternatives you can try. For example, you can use chickpea flour as a base, which is naturally nut-free, high in protein, and easy to work with. You can also explore recipes that primarily use tofu, which is a soy-based alternative that can create a crumbly texture similar to feta cheese.
- Seed-Based Alternatives: In some cases, seeds can be used as a substitute for nuts in vegan cheese recipes. For example, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be blended and seasoned to create a feta cheese-like consistency and flavor. Always ensure that the seeds are safe for your consumption and do not trigger any allergic reactions.
- Legume-Based Options: Legumes, such as peas or beans, can also be used as a base for vegan feta cheese. However, be cautious of using peanuts, which are technically legumes, as they may not be safe for individuals with nut allergies. Always opt for other types of legumes if you want to explore this option.
- Allergy Testing and Medical Advice: If you are unsure about your nut allergy or the severity of your reactions, consider consulting a medical professional. They can provide allergy testing and personalized advice on managing your allergy. It's important to know which specific nuts or tree nuts you need to avoid to make informed choices when consuming vegan feta cheese or any other food product.
Remember, if you have a nut allergy, always prioritize your health and safety. Be vigilant about reading labels, inquiring about ingredients, and choosing recipes that are specifically designed to be nut-free. With careful consideration and alternative options, you can still enjoy vegan feta cheese while managing your nut allergy effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for vegan feta cheese substitutes. Some recipes call for blending tofu with nutritional yeast, miso, coconut oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and onion powder. Other recipes use a combination of cashews, almonds, and coconut oil.
To make tofu-based vegan feta cheese, you will need the following ingredients: one block of firm tofu, lemon juice, salt, oregano, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and olive oil. First, cut the tofu into 1-2 cm cubes and place them in a casserole dish. Then, mix all the ingredients for the marinade and pour it over the tofu cubes. Bake in the oven at 170 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, turning over after 15 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool completely before serving.
To make a nut-based vegan feta cheese, you will need raw cashews, blanched almonds, and refined coconut oil. Blend these ingredients until smooth, and then chill the mixture. The coconut oil will solidify when chilled, giving the cheese a firm texture. For seasoning, add lemon juice, white miso paste, green olive brine, oregano, and salt.
There are a few options for store-bought vegan feta cheese. One option is Violife feta, which has a smooth and creamy texture. Another option is Veta, a homemade vegan sheep's cheese made with tofu and an aromatic marinade. Veta does not melt when heated, making it suitable for cooked, fried, and baked dishes.
