I grew up in and Italian family, mum a chef and dairy was absolutely everywhere. And parmesan cheese was the most used ingredient in our household. In Italy, if you don’t eat parmesan cheese, I’m sure they’d say something’s wrong with you. I mean, a bit like pizza and pasta, it’s a staple food.
So when I decided to go plant-based, I must say it took me some time to wean off this delicious, versatile ingredient. My gosh as a kid I used to eat it in chunks. I needed to find an alternative. Now, let’s be honest, vegan parmesan cheese tastes nothing like the real thing: BUT it is super tasty and does work well in so many recipes.
I confess, I do miss my parmesan cheese. Actually, sometimes I still eat it! It’s just so ingrained in my DNA.
Today, let’s say cheese, but without the dairy. Even if you’re not following a vegan diet, incorporating vegan parmesan into cooking can be a game-changer, especially for those who are dairy-free or have diary intolerances. While the flavor may differ slightly from traditional dairy parmesan, this plant-based alternative brings its own unique taste and texture, allowing you to enjoy the cheesy experience in a whole new way.
One of the key ingredients in vegan parmesan is nutritional yeast. This inactive yeast is a source of nutrients and gives a cheesy and nutty flavour. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic source of vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and producing red blood cells. It also contains protein, fibere, and various minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any vegan or dairy-free diet.
Vegan Parmesan
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted raw brazil nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Method
Method
- Mix all ingredients in a high speed blender until you form a fine crumb. It’s best to use the pulse function on your blender as it’s easy to over blend, making the nuts turn to a butter.
- Blending time depends on the power of your blender. If using a powerful machine like a Vitamix or Thermomix, then 15 seconds will be enough. For something less heavy duty you may need to blend for 30 seconds or more.
Notes/tips:
The above ingredients will make a small bowl, probably enough as a topping on six serves of pasta.
Another nut option is cashews – creates a slightly lighter and sweeter parmesan.
To make a bigger batch simply increase the ingredients in equal quantities. The parmesan can keep in an air tight container in the fridge for up to two to three months.
Raw Brazil nuts.They play a starring role in vegan parmesan. These nuts are known for their rich, creamy texture and distinctively bold flavor. Apart from being a delicious ingredient, brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, a trace mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Selenium supports the immune system, thyroid function, and overall cellular health. Adding brazil nuts to your diet can help meet your daily selenium needs and promote well-being.
Make vegan parmesan, simply combine nutritional yeast, unsalted raw brazil nuts, teaspoon of salt, and teaspoon of garlic powder in a blender. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to avoid over-blending. Using the pulse function on your blender, blend the ingredients until they form a fine crumb. The blending time may vary depending on the power of your blender. If you have a high-performance blender like a Vitamix or Thermomix, 15 seconds should be sufficient. For less powerful blenders, you may need to blend for around 30 seconds to achieve the desired consistency.
The beauty of vegan parmesan lies in its versatility. Sprinkle it over pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, salads, or even popcorn for a burst of flavour. The nutritional yeast brings a delightful cheesy taste, while the brazil nuts add a satisfying richness. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavour -according to your preferences. You can even try using other nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts for a unique twist on this dairy-free parmesan. Personally, my favorite is Brazil nuts.
Preparing vegan parmesan at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavour to your liking. By making your own, you can avoid the additives and preservatives often found in store-bought alternatives. Plus, it’s a cost-effective solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the brazil nuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! While brazil nuts provide a bold and distinctive flavour, you can experiment with other nuts to create a unique vegan parmesan. Cashews, for example, offer a lighter and sweeter taste, perfect for those who prefer a milder flavour . Feel free to get creative and try different combinations of nuts to find your preferred variation of vegan parmesan.