“How To Make Vegan Cream: A Dairy-Free Delight“
Vegan cream is a versatile and delicious alternative to traditional dairy cream. It’s perfect for those who are lactose intolerant, following a vegan diet, or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons. With its rich, creamy texture and delightful flavour, vegan cream can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. In this guide, we’ll explore what vegan cream is, how to make it, and the many ways you can use it in your cooking. Let’s dive in!
What is Vegan Cream?
Vegan cream is a plant-based substitute for traditional dairy cream. It is typically made from ingredients such as nuts, seeds, coconut, or soy. These ingredients are blended to create a smooth, creamy consistency that mimics the texture and taste of dairy cream. Additionally, vegan cream is often enriched with natural thickeners and flavourings to enhance its taste and functionality.
Benefits of Vegan Cream
Switching to vegan cream has several benefits. Firstly, it is dairy-free, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Secondly, it is lower in saturated fats compared to traditional cream, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake. Moreover, vegan cream is environmentally friendly as it requires fewer resources to produce compared to dairy products.
Common Ingredients Used
Vegan cream can be made from a variety of plant-based ingredients. Some common options include:
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is rich and creamy, making it an excellent base for vegan cream. It adds a slight coconut flavour, which works well in both sweet and savoury dishes.
- Cashews: Cashews are often soaked and blended to create a smooth, creamy texture. They have a mild flavour, making them versatile for various recipes.
- Soy Milk: Soy milk is another popular choice for vegan cream. It has a neutral taste and can be easily thickened with the addition of natural thickeners.
- Almonds: Almonds provide a slightly nutty flavour and a creamy consistency when blended. They are a great option for those who enjoy a subtle nutty taste.
How to Make Vegan Cream at Home
Making vegan cream at home is simple and allows you to control the ingredients and flavour. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer to a container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Culinary Uses
Vegan cream is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your cooking:
Savoury Dishes
- Creamy Soups: Add vegan cream to your favourite soups for a rich, velvety texture. It pairs particularly well with tomato, pumpkin, and mushroom soups.
- Pasta Sauces: Use vegan cream as a base for creamy pasta sauces. Combine it with garlic, nutritional yeast, and fresh herbs for a delicious, dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
- Curries: Stir vegan cream into your favourite curries to add creaminess and depth of flavour. It balances the spices and adds a luxurious texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Replace dairy cream with vegan cream in your mashed potatoes for a smooth, creamy side dish. It adds richness without the dairy.
Sweet Dishes
- Desserts: Use vegan cream in desserts like panna cotta, mousse, or cheesecakes. It provides the creamy texture needed for these indulgent treats.
- Whipped Cream: Whip chilled vegan cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract to create a dairy-free whipped cream. Perfect for topping pies, cakes, and hot cocoa.
- Ice Cream: Make your own vegan ice cream by blending vegan cream with fruit, sweeteners, and flavourings. Freeze and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat.
Tips for Using Vegan Cream
To get the best results, consider these tips:
- Chill Before Whipping: If you’re making whipped cream, ensure your vegan cream is well-chilled before whipping. This helps it to whip up more easily and hold its shape.
- Adjust Consistency: Depending on your recipe, you may need to adjust the consistency of your vegan cream. Add more water for a thinner cream or more soaked nuts for a thicker texture.
- Flavour Enhancers: Don’t be afraid to add flavour enhancers like herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast. These can elevate the taste of your vegan cream and complement your dish.
- Storage: Store homemade vegan cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically lasts up to one week, so make only what you need for your recipes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vegan cream is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavour or texture. Whether you’re using it in savoury dishes, sweet treats, or simply as a topping, vegan cream provides endless possibilities. By making your own at home, you can customise it to your taste and dietary needs. Embrace the versatility and deliciousness of vegan cream, and elevate your cooking to new heights. Try it today and discover a world of culinary delights that are both healthy and indulgent.
Vegan Cream
Vegan cream is a plant-based substitute for traditional dairy cream. It is typically made from ingredients such as nuts, seeds, coconut, or soy.
10
servings5
minutes5
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Ingredients Vegan Cream:
1 cup 1 raw cashews (pre-soak if your blender does not blend well)
1/2 cup 1/2 cold water
2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons 2 lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 sea salt
- Vegan sour cream:
1 tablespoon 1 additional lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 onion powder
Directions
- Place the cashews, water, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and silky.
- You can also use this recipe to make a vegan sour cream. Just add the following ingredients to the base
Equipment
Watch the recipe video
Notes
- soaking the cashew nuts in hot water for an hour or two will give the cream a better consistency.
