Patrick Oconnell
Vegan nacho cheese is a great alternative to traditional nacho cheese, which is made with milk and whey, both of which come from cows. There are many different recipes for vegan nacho cheese, but most include some combination of raw cashews, nutritional yeast, spices, and a liquid such as water or soy milk. Some recipes also include corn starch, tapioca starch, or grated carrots for colour and texture. The result is a thick, creamy, tangy, and gooey sauce that is perfect for dipping or topping nachos, baked potatoes, veggie burgers, or macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Raw cashews, nutritional yeast, dried spices, soy milk, corn starch, tapioca starch, carrots, vegan butter, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, salt |
| Texture | Thick, creamy, tangy, gooey |
| Preparation | Soak cashews, blend with other ingredients, warm on the stove |
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What You'll Learn
Raw cashews
To prepare the cashews for the sauce, they must first be soaked. This can be done by covering them with boiling water and setting them aside for 10 minutes, or by soaking them for several hours or overnight. Once soaked, the cashews are soft and ready to be blended.
The blending process is important to achieve the right consistency for the sauce. A high-powered blender is recommended to ensure the cashews are fully broken down and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The soaked cashews are blended with water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder.
The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavour to the sauce, while the spices can be adjusted to taste. The cashews provide a creamy base that takes on the flavours of the other ingredients, resulting in a versatile sauce that can be used on nachos, chips, baked potatoes, or steamed broccoli.
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Nutritional yeast
When using nutritional yeast in cooking, it is important to consider the other flavours in the dish. As it has a strong, distinct flavour, it can easily overpower other ingredients. It is best to start with a small amount and add more to taste.
When making vegan nacho cheese, nutritional yeast is blended with soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, and spices. This creates a creamy, savoury sauce with a cheesy flavour. The sauce can be warmed on the stove and drizzled over nachos, chips, or steamed vegetables. It is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for those following a vegan diet or looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce.
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Spices
Some recipes also call for nutritional yeast, which is a type of inactive yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavour. It is often used in vegan recipes to add a savoury, umami taste. Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins and can be found in health food stores or online.
In addition to spices, other ingredients commonly used in vegan nacho cheese include raw cashews, soy milk, corn starch, tapioca starch, and carrots. The cashews are soaked and blended to create a creamy texture, while the other ingredients add flavour and colour to the cheese.
Vegan nacho cheese is a versatile and delicious alternative to traditional cheese, perfect for those following a plant-based diet or looking for a dairy-free option. It can be enjoyed on nachos, chips, baked potatoes, or even steamed broccoli.
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Soy milk
To make soy milk, soybeans are soaked, ground, and boiled in water. The mixture is then strained to separate the milk from the solids, which are known as okara. Okara can be used in various recipes, such as burgers, cookies, and bread. The milk is then heated and homogenised to prevent the soy protein from settling at the bottom of the container. Finally, the milk is pasteurised to kill any harmful bacteria and extend its shelf life.
The nutritional profile of soy milk can vary depending on the brand and type. However, it is generally a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins B and D. It is also typically lower in saturated fat and calories than dairy milk. For this reason, soy milk is often recommended for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to dairy.
In addition to its use in vegan nacho cheese, soy milk can be used in a variety of recipes. It can be substituted for dairy milk in baking, cooking, and smoothie-making. It can also be used to make vegan yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy-free products. Soy milk is a versatile and nutritious option for those who are looking to reduce their dairy intake or follow a plant-based diet.
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Corn starch
To make vegan nacho cheese with corn starch, you will need to combine it with a liquid, such as soy milk or water, to create a slurry. This slurry is then heated and stirred until it thickens and becomes creamy. The corn starch helps to bind the ingredients together and creates a smooth, cohesive sauce.
When choosing corn starch for vegan nacho cheese, it is important to select a fine, powdery variety that will dissolve easily in the liquid. Avoid using corn starch that has clumped together or formed lumps, as this can affect the texture of the final product.
Overall, corn starch is an essential component of vegan nacho cheese, providing structure, creaminess, and colour to the final product. By following a recipe and using the right techniques, you can create a delicious, cheesy sauce that is perfect for nachos, chips, or any other dish that calls for a creamy, savoury topping.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegan nacho cheese is usually made from soaked raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. Some recipes also include soy milk, corn starch, tapioca starch, and carrots.
You will need raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. You may also need soy milk, corn starch, tapioca starch, and carrots.
Soak the cashews, then blend them with water, nutritional yeast, and spices. Warm the mixture on the stove.
You can either do a quick soak, which involves covering the cashews with boiling water and setting aside for 10 minutes, or you can soak them for several hours or overnight.
Vegan nacho cheese is perfect on chips, or you can drizzle it over steamed broccoli or a baked potato.
