Know all about vegan cheese and how to make it at home

If you are a cheese lover and are following a plant-based or vegan diet, you don’t need to fret as vegan cheese is here. It’s something that vegan lovers can have guilt-free as this cheese is made from soy products, rice flour, potato starch and nuts like cashews, almonds and macadamia. You will be surprised to know that vegan cheese is made of vegetable oil as well. One of its examples is cheese made of coconut oil. These days, one can also find the option of vegan cheese made from tapioca, peas, agar-agar and arrowroot. (Images courtesy: iStock)

Also Read: Which is the healthiest form of cheese for you

Some of them, yes, but most of the vegan cheese have a different taste than that of actual cheese. Also, the major difference that comes here is that the vegan cheese might not provide the same experience as that of real cheese and might not melt easily. However, vegan cheesemakers are adopting new processes and techniques that will make vegan cheese more adaptable and tastier than the actual cheese. So, if you are feeling like having a vegan pizza at home, don’t expect it to be gooey.

Also Read: 6 Healthiest cheese varieties with good protein content

As compared to the cheese made with cow/buffalo milk, vegan cheese is low in fat. However, it has come to light that it has even low amounts of protein and calcium than regular cheese and is likely to be gluten-free. Also, as they are highly processed, they tend to have high sodium levels. It also depends from brand to brand how much nutrition do they have. Also, as per the findings of a study published in the journal ‘Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases’, “a diet that includes plant protein, fibre, nuts, and plant sterols lowers cholesterol, improves blood pressure, and improves other markers for cardiovascular disease risk.” As per reports, several vegan cheeses are fortified with essential nutrients like B12 and plant-based vitamin D, which ensures that they are nourishing as well as delicious.

It is something that you might not be aware of! From vegan mozzarella to ricotta, parmesan to cheddar, feta and cream cheese, there are several options to chose from!

This vegan cheese recipe will help you in making an exceptional cheese at home that not just tastes like the traditional cheese, but melts as well which in most cases, vegan cheese doesn’t.

Ingredients

400 ml coconut milk, 1/2 cup hot water, 2 tbsp agar-agar powder, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Method

Prepare cheese moulds by spraying a glass bowl or container with spray oil or rubbing any neutral-flavoured oil on the moulds to prevent sticking. Next, pour coconut milk into a saucepan and put it over medium flame. Add hot water into the pan and stir well. Then, add all the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and stir well using a whisker. Let the milk boil over medium flame stirring frequently until it boils. Turn off the flame until the cheese sauce is just barely boiling and stir constantly for 5-6 minutes until it is very smooth. This is done to activate the yeast and agar-agar. Now, quickly pour this cheese sauce into the prepared cheese moulds. Let it cool with the lid off for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Afterwards, cover and transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firmly set. Your vegan cheese will be ready in no time! Do try this recipe and let us know your feedback on the same.