Homemade Vegan Sliceable Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves yield ~1 Tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (plus more to taste)
- 1 medium lemon, zested
- 2 medium lemons, juiced (2 lemons yield ~1/4 cup or 60 ml)
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
For serving
- 2 Tbsp finely minced fresh dill
Preparation
Place cashews in a bowl and cover with cool water. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to soak for 12 hours. If you can't get to them right away, drain, place back in bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. They will keep refrigerated for 24-36 hours.
Once soaked, drain cashews thoroughly and add to food processor. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, nutritional yeast, salt and olive oil.
Process until very creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Then taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon zest for tartness, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, garlic for zing, or salt for flavor and balance.
Place a fine mesh strainer or colander over a large mixing bowl, and lay down two layers of cheesecloth or a clean, fine, absorbent towel. Use a spatula to scoop all cheese over the cheesecloth, then gather the corners and twist the top gently to form the cheese into a disc. Secure with a rubber band.
Place in refrigerator to set for at least 6 hours, preferably 12, or until excess moisture has been wicked away, and it holds its form when released from the cheesecloth.
Tips
To serve, unwrap from cheesecloth and gently invert onto a serving platter. Reform with hands or cheesecloth as needed, then coat with chopped herbs and a bit more lemon zest if desired. It is fragile, so handle gently.
Enjoy chilled with crackers or vegetables. Cheese will hold its form for 1-2 hours out of the refrigerator, but best when chilled. Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
