Vegan Diet: Replacing Cheese, Keeping Taste

Cheese is one of the most delicious foods out there, but it can be hard on people's stomachs. For vegans, there are several alternatives to cheese that can be made at home or bought at the store. These substitutes are usually made from nuts and seeds, like cashews and walnuts, and include a combination of spices, herbs, and nutritional yeast. Some vegan cheeses are also made with aquafaba (the liquid inside canned chickpeas) and tofu.

Nutritional yeast: a cheesy, nutty flavour

Nutritional yeast is a common vegan cheese substitute. It is a deactivated yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is grown in a sugary environment like molasses. It is pasteurised or heated to render it inactive, meaning it has no leavening power and is used primarily as a flavouring agent. Nutritional yeast has a naturally nutty, cheesy taste and is completely dairy-free.

Nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, and molybdenum. It is also a complete protein, making it a smart choice for vegans and anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diets. It can be used in place of grated cheese on just about any dish. Sprinkle it over your vegan pizza, or on homemade popcorn for a satisfying, nutty snack. You can also pair it with cashews to make a rich, creamy vegan Alfredo sauce.

Nutritional yeast is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly sprinkled on salads, roasted vegetables, and pastas. It can also be used in place of Parmesan cheese on pasta, risotto, or soup. It can be stirred into scrambled eggs or a tofu scramble for a savoury kick. One of the most popular ways to use nutritional yeast is to make a vegan "cheese" sauce for macaroni and "cheese", nachos, or enchiladas.

If you're new to nutritional yeast, try sprinkling it on freshly popped popcorn for a rich and incredibly cheesy flavour. The heat and oil will help the powder or flakes stick to the kernels. From there, you can experiment with using the savoury ingredient in any number of simple dishes, from roasted cauliflower to a baked potato topper.

Almonds: a subtle nutty flavour, perfect for ricotta, cream cheese or goat's cheese

Almonds are a great base for vegan cheese, offering a subtle nutty flavour and a creamy texture. They are the perfect starting point for ricotta, cream cheese, or goat cheese alternatives.

For a simple, creamy, and versatile vegan cheese, soaked almonds can be blended with olive oil, garlic, salt, and water. This creates a spreadable cheese with a crumbly texture, perfect for toast, ravioli, pizza, or jalapeños. The addition of lemon juice adds a tangy sharpness. This almond cheese can also be baked at a low temperature to dehydrate it and create a thicker, slightly crumbly texture.

Almonds are also a great base for ricotta, a soft and mild cheese used in Italian dishes such as ravioli, lasagna, and crepes. Blanched slivered almonds, blended with nutritional yeast, salt, and lemon, create a delicious plant-based alternative. This "ricotta" is ready to use immediately, or it can be chilled and hardened for a firmer texture. It adds a creamy and cheesy element to dishes and can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes.

Cream cheese and goat cheese, or "chevre", are also easily replicated with almonds. A blend of soaked almonds, olive oil, garlic, and salt creates a creamy and spreadable cheese, perfect for breakfast toast or as a filling for homemade ravioli.

So, if you're looking to replace cheese in your diet with vegan alternatives, almond-based cheeses are a delicious and versatile option. With a subtle nutty flavour, they can be adapted to create ricotta, cream cheese, or goat cheese-style spreads and fillings.

Cashews: a buttery, indulgent quality, a good substitute for Brie

Cashews are a popular ingredient in vegan cooking, especially when it comes to creating creamy sauces, dairy-free cheeses, and rich desserts. They are often used due to their ability to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency when soaked and pureed. Their neutral taste and high fat content make them a versatile ingredient for vegan cheese, sauces, dips, and desserts.

When it comes to vegan cheese, cashews are a key ingredient in many plant-based cheese recipes, providing a rich, creamy base that mimics dairy cheese. Cashew cheese is an excellent substitute for those seeking a vegan alternative to Brie. The thickness of cashew cheese, along with its buttery and indulgent quality, makes it a great match for the texture and flavour of Brie.

To make cashew cheese, raw cashews are soaked and pureed, and then combined with nutritional yeast, white wine or apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and sea salt. This combination of ingredients creates a savoury flavour that can mimic a range of cheeses, from cheddar to Brie.

For those seeking a vegan alternative to Brie, cashew cheese is a delicious and indulgent option. Its creamy texture and rich flavour profile make it a satisfying substitute, whether enjoyed on a cheese board or used in recipes.

When using cashew cheese as a substitute for Brie, it is important to stick to portion sizes as it is calorie-dense. Additionally, while cashew cheese can be a good alternative for melted Brie, it may not be suitable for baked goods or cooked dishes as it does not melt in the same way.

So, if you're looking for a vegan option that captures the essence of Brie, cashew cheese is definitely worth considering. With its buttery and indulgent qualities, it can be a delicious and satisfying part of your plant-based diet.

Silken tofu: a simple cottage cheese or ricotta substitute

Silken tofu is a great option for vegans or lactose-intolerant people who want to enjoy the taste and texture of cheese without consuming dairy. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from savoury to sweet, and is also nut-free, making it suitable for people with nut allergies.

How to Make Vegan Ricotta Cheese Using Silken Tofu:

To make vegan ricotta cheese with silken tofu, start by draining and crumbling the tofu into a food processor or blender. Add in some lemon juice, salt, and any dried seasonings you like. Process the ingredients for 30 to 60 seconds until the tofu reaches a smooth, ricotta-like consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add other ingredients like nutritional yeast, white miso, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra depth of flavour.

Using Silken Tofu in Recipes:

Vegan ricotta made with silken tofu is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It works well in Italian recipes such as lasagna, stuffed shells, calzones, and pizza. You can also use it as a dip for crudités or vegan bread, or spread it on crackers. For a non-traditional twist, add fresh cilantro and cumin or chili powder to make Mexican enchiladas, or a pinch of turmeric or coriander for Indian palak paneer.

Storing and Freezing Instructions:

You can store leftover vegan ricotta made with silken tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, it will keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using it again.

Benefits of Using Silken Tofu as a Cheese Substitute:

Silken tofu is a simple and affordable way to make vegan cheese, as it doesn't require any nuts, which can be expensive. It is also packed with good-quality vegetable protein and can be used as a healthier alternative to dairy cheese, especially when consumed as part of a plant-based diet.

Kite Hill: made with almond milk, it resembles the real deal

If you're vegan or lactose intolerant but are craving the taste and texture of cheese, Kite Hill is for you. Made with almond milk instead of cow's milk, this substitute is remarkably similar to the real deal.

Kite Hill uses fresh almond milk and traditional cheese-making craft to create a ricotta alternative that's creamy and slightly sweet, with a buttery finish. The subtle sweetness of their almond milk ricotta alternative goes perfectly with fresh pasta, resulting in amazing dairy-free ravioli and tortellini. Kite Hill also offers a range of cream cheese alternatives, including flavours such as chive, everything, and garden veggie, which can be used to add flavour to dishes like jalapeño poppers or pancakes.

In addition to cream cheese and ricotta, Kite Hill also offers a variety of other dairy-free products, including sour cream, Greek yogurt, and soft spreadable cheeses. Their Greek yogurts, for example, are made from creamy almond milk with live active cultures and provide up to 11g of almond protein per serving. Their sour cream alternative is a perfect dollop to add to your tacos, baked potatoes, or even baked goods for a creamy finish. As for their soft spreadable cheeses, they come in flavours like garlic and herb, and caramelized onion, and are crafted with aromatic garlic, zesty herbs, sweet onions, and roasted garlic for a fresh take on an old favourite.

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