Patrick Oconnell
Vegan cheese is a 100% animal-free alternative to traditional cheese, usually made from soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and other natural ingredients. Vegan cheese is often made with tofu, or another form of soy protein. Tree nuts and seeds are another popular base for vegan cheese, with almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, and sunflower seeds being some of the most commonly used. Coconut milk, cream, and oil are also often used for vegan cheeses, as their high fat content allows them to mimic the creamy, dense characteristics of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Nuts, seeds, tofu, oats, beans, soy |
| Thickening agents | Starch, flour |
| Flavouring agents | Spices, herbs, condiments, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, paprika, liquid smoke, dry mustard powder, miso paste, dry herbs, lemon juice |
| Vegetable oils | Coconut oil |
| Other ingredients | Agar, tapioca, peas, arrowroot |
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What You'll Learn
Nuts and seeds
Some of the most common nuts and seeds used for vegan cheese include almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. These nuts and seeds are chosen for their versatility and ability to mimic the texture and flavour of traditional cheese.
When making vegan cheese with nuts and seeds, it is important to soak and blend them to create a creamy base. This base can then be flavoured with spices, herbs, and condiments to create a variety of cheese alternatives. Nut and seed-based vegan cheeses can be used in a variety of dishes, from crackers and sandwiches to pasta and pizza.
The use of nuts and seeds in vegan cheese not only provides a delicious and creamy texture but also adds nutritional value to the final product. Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious alternative to traditional cheese.
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Tofu and soy
Soy is derived from soybeans, which are legumes native to East Asia. Vegan cheese is often made with tofu, or another form of soy proteins. Tofu is a great base for all kinds of vegan cheese recipes, and it’s especially perfect if you have a cashew or other nut allergy. It's also a less expensive alternative to cashew-based vegan cheese.
Tofu can be used to make a wide variety of vegan cheeses, including cream cheese, feta cheese, cheesecake, cheese sauces and dips. It's also easy to make and versatile. You can use tofu cheeses on pizza or nachos.
Tofu-based vegan cheese is also a good option for those who are allergic to nuts or seeds, which are another popular base for vegan cheese. Nut and seed-based vegan cheese is typically fermented with extra probiotic cultures, and has nutritional yeast or flavourings added. Some common nuts and seeds used for vegan cheese are almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.
Vegetable oils
Vegan cheese is made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, including vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are a key component in creating vegan cheese, as they provide a creamy, dense texture that mimics the mouthfeel of traditional dairy cheese.
In addition to coconut oil, other vegetable oils that may be used in vegan cheese production include olive oil, avocado oil, or nut oils such as walnut or almond oil. These oils contribute to the overall texture and mouthfeel of the cheese, enhancing the melting qualities and providing a rich, indulgent experience.
The specific choice of vegetable oil can impact the final flavour and aroma profile of the vegan cheese. For example, olive oil may impart a fruity or peppery note, while avocado oil can add a subtle buttery taste. These oils also have varying smoke points, which is an important consideration during the cheese-making process, as it can affect the final texture and flavour development.
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Peas and arrowroot
Vegan cheese is usually made from soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and various other natural ingredients. Peas and arrowroot are two such ingredients that can be used to make vegan cheese.
Peas are a good source of plant-based protein and are often used as a base for vegan cheese. They have a mild flavour and a creamy texture, which makes them ideal for creating a cheese-like product. When blended, peas create a smooth, thick consistency that can be easily flavoured and shaped into blocks or slices.
Arrowroot, on the other hand, is a starchy flour made from the dried root of a tropical plant. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in vegan cheese, giving it a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Arrowroot is also flavourless, so it doesn't interfere with the desired cheese flavour.
Both peas and arrowroot are natural, plant-based ingredients that are free from animal products, making them ideal for creating vegan cheese. They each contribute to the desired texture and consistency of cheese, whether it's a hard block or a soft, spreadable variety.
Additionally, peas and arrowroot are both nutritious options. Peas are a good source of protein and fibre, while arrowroot is easily digestible and contains some essential vitamins and minerals. This makes vegan cheese made with these ingredients a healthier alternative to traditional cheese, as it can provide similar nutritional benefits without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in dairy products.
Coconut
One recipe for vegan cheddar cheese made with coconut flesh includes four coconuts, half a cup of nutritional yeast, four tablespoons of refined coconut oil, white miso paste, half a cup of oat milk, lime juice, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, a pinch of turmeric, and two tablespoons of agar agar to solidify it.
Frequently asked questions
Vegan cheese is usually made from soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and various other natural ingredients like peas or arrowroot.
Almonds, cashews, macadamias, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all used to make vegan cheese.
Coconut oil or milk, starches/flour, and flavouring agents like nutritional yeast, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and lemon juice.
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