Vegan Grated Parmesan Cheese Recipe

Raw cashews: These provide a creamy, rich base for the vegan parmesan cheese. Make sure they are unsalted and raw for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the mix. It's a staple in many vegan recipes for its unique taste and nutritional benefits.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the vegan parmesan.

Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and giving the mixture a savory kick.

When pulsing the cashews in the food processor, be sure to use short bursts to avoid turning them into cashew butter. This will help you achieve the desired fine, crumbly texture for your vegan parmesan cheese.

• raw cashews - Substitute with raw almonds: Raw almonds provide a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for creating a grated cheese-like consistency.

• raw cashews - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a nutty flavor and can be ground to a fine texture, suitable for a vegan cheese substitute.

• nutritional yeast - Substitute with brewer's yeast: Brewer's yeast has a similar cheesy and nutty flavor profile, making it a good alternative for nutritional yeast.

• nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste can add a savory umami flavor, though it will change the texture slightly, it can still provide a cheesy taste.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor, though it will have a slightly different taste profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be used for a more intense garlic flavor, though it will add moisture to the mixture.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture and a different texture.

• salt - Substitute with seaweed flakes: Seaweed flakes can provide a salty and umami flavor, adding a unique twist to the vegan cheese.

• Ensure your vegan grated parmesan cheese is stored in an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted moisture from seeping in.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will keep the cashews and nutritional yeast mixture fresh for up to two weeks.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Transfer the vegan cheese into a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you use it within a reasonable time frame.

• When ready to use, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. The texture and flavor should remain intact, making it perfect for sprinkling over pasta, salads, or soups.

• If you notice any changes in smell or appearance, it's best to discard the vegan parmesan. Freshness is key to enjoying its full flavor and nutritional benefits.

• sprinkle the vegan grated parmesan cheese directly onto hot dishes like pasta or soups; the heat from the dish will naturally warm it up and enhance its flavor.
• if you prefer a warm, toasty texture, spread the vegan parmesan on a baking sheet and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• for a quick and easy method, use a microwave-safe dish and microwave the vegan parmesan on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Stir and check the temperature, repeating if necessary.
• to add a crispy topping to casseroles or baked dishes, sprinkle the vegan parmesan on top and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

• Food processor: Essential for pulsing the ingredients together to achieve a fine, crumbly texture.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the raw cashews accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt precisely.

• Airtight container: Important for storing the vegan grated Parmesan cheese in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

Pre-soak cashews: Soak raw cashews overnight to make them easier to process, saving time during preparation.

Batch processing: Make a larger batch of vegan grated parmesan cheese and store it in the fridge, so you always have some ready to use.

Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender can process the ingredients faster than a regular food processor, cutting down on prep time.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt in advance to streamline the process.