Vegan Parmesan

“How To Easily Make Vegan Parmesan“

Vegan parmesan is a game-changer for those who love the taste of traditional parmesan cheese but follow a plant-based diet. This dairy-free alternative offers a savoury, nutty flavour that can enhance a variety of dishes, from pasta to salads.

What is it?

Vegan parmesan is a plant-based substitute for traditional parmesan cheese. It is typically made from a combination of nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast, and seasonings. The result is a cheesy, savoury topping that mimics the flavour and texture of parmesan cheese. Moreover, vegan parmesan is usually gluten-free and free from artificial additives, making it a healthier choice.

Benefits of Vegan Parmesan

Switching to vegan parmesan has numerous benefits. Firstly, it is dairy-free, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Additionally, it is lower in saturated fats compared to traditional parmesan, which can be beneficial for heart health. Furthermore, vegan parmesan is environmentally friendly, as it requires fewer resources to produce than dairy cheese.

Common Ingredients

Vegan parmesan can be made from a variety of plant-based ingredients. Here are some common options:

1. Nuts: Cashews, almonds, and walnuts are often used as the base for vegan parmesan. They provide a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavour.
2. Seeds: Sunflower seeds and hemp seeds are great alternatives for those with nut allergies. They add a similar texture and flavour to the mix.
3. Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient is key for achieving the cheesy flavour in vegan parmesan. It is rich in B vitamins and adds a savoury, umami taste.
4. Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and salt are commonly added to enhance the flavour of vegan parmesan.

How to Make Vegan Parmesan at Home

Making vegan parmesan at home is simple and allows you to customise the ingredients to your liking. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews or almonds
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground and resembles the texture of grated parmesan.
3. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Culinary Uses

Vegan parmesan is incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your cooking:

Pasta Dishes

1. Sprinkle on Spaghetti: Add a generous sprinkle of vegan parmesan to your spaghetti for a burst of cheesy flavour. It works particularly well with marinara and pesto sauces.
2. Baked Ziti: Mix it into your baked ziti for a creamy, cheesy topping. It adds a delicious savoury note to this classic dish.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Enhance your dairy free macaroni and cheese by stirring in some vegan parmesan. It adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Salads

1. Caesar Salad: Replace traditional parmesan with vegan parmesan in your Caesar salad. It provides the same cheesy, umami flavour without dairy.
2. Greek Salad: Sprinkle vegan parmesan on top of your Greek salad for an extra layer of flavour. It pairs well with the tangy vinaigrette and fresh vegetables.
3. Kale Salad: Massage vegan parmesan into your kale salad. It softens the kale and adds a savoury kick to the greens.

Snacks and Appetisers

1. Garlic Bread: Sprinkle vegan parmesan over garlic bread before baking. It creates a crispy, cheesy topping that is hard to resist.
2. Popcorn: Add a sprinkle of vegan parmesan to your popcorn for a tasty, savoury snack. It’s a healthier alternative to buttered popcorn.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with vegan parmesan for an extra burst of flavour. It works well with broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Tips for Using Vegan Parmesan

To get the best results with vegan parmesan, consider these tips:

1. Store Properly: Keep your vegan parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its freshness and flavour.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste, use fresh nuts and seeds. Stale ingredients can affect the flavour of your vegan parmesan.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Add more garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavour or more nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness.
4. Blend Well: Ensure the mixture is finely ground for the best texture. A food processor or high-speed blender works best for this task.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vegan parmesan 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 pasta dishes, salads, or as a topping for snacks, vegan parmesan 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 parmesan, and elevate your cooking to new heights. Try it today and discover a world of culinary delights that are both healthy and indulgent.

Vegan Parmesan

Recipe by Che

This dairy-free alternative offers a savoury, nutty flavour that can enhance a variety of dishes, from pasta to salads.

Difficulty: Easy

5.0 from 2 votes

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Servings

100

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Metric US

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup 1 almond milk

• 1/2 cup 1/2 refined, odorless coconut oil (melted)

• 150 grams 150 potato starch

• 5 tablespoons 5 nutritional yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons 2 white miso paste

• 1 teaspoon 1 mushroom seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 mustard powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons 1 1/2 kosher salt

Directions

• Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Transfer the mixture evenly into one medium-sized or two small glass storage containers.
• Optionally, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of flaky salt with each mixture.
• Smooth out the mixture with a spatula, cover with a lid, and steam for about 40 to 50 minutes.
• Ensure everything is covered with a lid during steaming.
• Remove from the steamer, let it rest for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Once set, take it out of the fridge, slice it into wedges, and enjoy your homemade vegan parmesan!
• There you have it—your very own vegan parmesan. Enjoy!

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