How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese: A Delicious Dairy-Free Alternative | Vegan Cheeseboard - Vegan cheese, vegan wine and vegan chocolate

In a world where dietary preferences are evolving, many individuals embrace plant-based diets for ethical, health, and environmental reasons. Veganism, a lifestyle that abstains from animal products, has gained significant popularity.

One of the challenges vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals face is finding suitable dairy-free substitutes for beloved ingredients like parmesan cheese. Fortunately, there’s a delightful solution: homemade vegan parmesan cheese.

This guide will walk you through the simple and flavorful process of creating vegan parmesan cheese. This versatile, cruelty-free alternative can elevate your plant-based culinary creations.

What Is Vegan Parmesan Cheese?

Vegan parmesan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional Parmesan cheese made from dairy milk. It mimics the savoury, nutty, and salty flavour of Parmesan, making it an excellent choice for those following a vegan or lactose-free diet.

Vegan Parmesan is typically made from nuts or seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt. These ingredients combine to create a cheesy, umami-packed seasoning that can be sprinkled on top of pasta, pizza, salads, and more.

Ingredients:

To make your own vegan Parmesan cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (for colour)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavour)

Equipment:

Food processor or high-speed blender
Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Cashews: Start by measuring out one cup of raw cashews. Raw cashews work best for this recipe because they have a neutral flavour and a creamy texture when blended. If you don’t have raw cashews, you can use blanched almonds or macadamia nuts for a similar result.
Blend the Cashews: Place the cashews in your food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse or blend until they turn into fine crumbs with a texture resembling grated Parmesan cheese. Be careful not to over-blend, as the cashews can become too pasty.
Add the Flavorings: Add in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground turmeric (for colour), and smoked paprika (if using). These seasonings will provide the distinctive Parmesan flavour and a pleasing yellow hue. Adjust the salt to your preference, but remember that Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so don’t go overboard.
Blend Again: Pulse or blend the mixture for another 20-30 seconds to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Taste a small amount to ensure it has the desired flavour and adjust seasonings if needed.
Store Your Vegan Parmesan: Transfer your homemade vegan Parmesan cheese to an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed properly to maintain freshness. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for a longer shelf life.
Enjoy Your Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle your vegan Parmesan cheese on a variety of dishes, just like you would with traditional Parmesan. It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, salads, roasted vegetables, or even popcorn.

Ways to Use Vegan Parmesan Cheese:

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making vegan Parmesan cheese let’s explore some delicious ways to incorporate it into your meals:

Pasta dishes

Sprinkle vegan Parmesan generously over your favourite pasta, whether it’s a classic spaghetti marinara, creamy Alfredo, or a pesto-filled creation.

Pizza topping

Give your homemade or store-bought vegan pizza an extra kick of flavour by adding a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan before baking.

Salads

Elevate your salad game by tossing some vegan Parmesan on top. It’s an excellent addition to Caesar salads and more.

Roasted vegetables

Add a burst of umami to roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts by dusting them with vegan Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Popcorn seasoning

For a unique twist on movie night, sprinkle your freshly popped popcorn with vegan Parmesan for a savoury and satisfying snack.

Tips and Variations:

Here are some additional tips and variations to help you customise your vegan Parmesan cheese to suit your tastes and dietary preferences:

Experiment with Nuts: While cashews are the most commonly used nut for vegan Parmesan, you can try other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for different flavour profiles.
Enhance the Flavor: Get creative by adding herbs like dried basil, oregano, or thyme to your mix for added depth of flavour.
Texture Adjustment: If you prefer a finer or coarser texture, simply adjust the blending time to suit your preference.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a crucial ingredient that adds a cheesy, umami flavour to your vegan Parmesan. It’s readily available in health food stores or online.

Final Words

Making vegan Parmesan cheese at home is a rewarding endeavour that allows you to enjoy the rich, cheesy taste of Parmesan while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. You can whip up a batch of this delectable dairy-free alternative with just a few simple ingredients and a food processor or blender.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to reduce your dairy intake, homemade vegan Parmesan cheese is a versatile and flavorful addition to your kitchen repertoire. Give it a try, and you’ll see that dairy-free doesn’t mean flavour-free!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Other Nuts Besides Cashews Or Almonds?

Yes, you can experiment with other nuts or seeds like pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or walnuts to create unique variations of vegan Parmesan cheese.

Is Nutritional Yeast Necessary, And Can It Be Substituted With Anything Else?

Nutritional yeast is a crucial ingredient as it provides the cheesy flavour in vegan Parmesan. It cannot be substituted with other ingredients. You can find nutritional yeast in health food stores or online.

Do I Need To Soak The Nuts Before Making Vegan Parmesan Cheese?

Soaking the nuts before blending is optional but recommended. Soaking can help soften the nuts and improve the creaminess of the final product. If you choose not to soak them, you may need a high-speed blender to achieve a smooth texture.

How Long Does Homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese Stay Fresh?

Homemade vegan Parmesan cheese can stay fresh for several weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I Adjust The Seasonings To Suit My Taste Preferences?

Yes, absolutely! The beauty of making your own vegan Parmesan cheese is that you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more salt, nutritional yeast, or garlic powder to achieve your desired flavour.

Stephen Williams

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