Sunday Special: Cheesy Vegan Delights !!!

 Sunday Special: Cheesy Vegan Delights !!!

• Made from a variety of plant sources, including nuts, soy, peas, and root vegetables, vegan cheese can mimic the flavor, texture, and melting qualities of dairy cheese, making it an exciting and versatile ingredient in cooking

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

Introduction to vegan cheese

Vegan cheese has revolutionized the culinary world, offering a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheese that aligns with vegan and dairy-free diets. Made from a variety of plant sources, including nuts, soy, peas, and root vegetables, vegan cheese can mimic the flavor, texture, and melting qualities of dairy cheese, making it an exciting and versatile ingredient in cooking.

The introduction of vegan cheese into cooking has opened up new avenues for those looking to avoid animal products or lactose without sacrificing the creamy, savory, and comforting aspects that cheese brings to dishes. From soft and spreadable to firm and sliceable, the range of vegan cheeses available today means that nearly every type of dairy cheese has a plant-based counterpart.

Origin of vegan cheese

The origin of vegan cheese traces back to the early efforts of vegetarians and vegans seeking alternatives to dairy products, but the concept of plant-based diets can be found much earlier in history. The development of what we now recognize as vegan cheese began to take shape in the 20th century, alongside the rise of vegetarianism and veganism as lifestyle choices driven by health, ethical, and environmental concerns.

The first commercial vegan cheese products started appearing in health food stores in the 1980s, albeit with limited variety and appeal. These early versions of vegan cheese were primarily made from soy and were criticized for their taste and texture, which were far from matching those of traditional dairy cheese.

Health benefits of vegan cheese

Vegan cheese offers several health benefits, particularly for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products or manage dietary restrictions. Here are some key health advantages associated with incorporating vegan cheese into your diet:

• Lower in Saturated Fat: Many vegan cheeses are made from nuts and seeds, which contain healthier fats compared to the saturated fats found in dairy cheese. Consuming lower levels of saturated fats can benefit heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
• Cholesterol-Free: Plant-based foods, including vegan cheese, are naturally cholesterol-free. High cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, so incorporating vegan cheese can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
• Lactose-Free: Vegan cheese is a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance, a condition that can cause digestive discomfort when consuming dairy products. By opting for vegan cheese, individuals can enjoy cheese flavors without the adverse effects of lactose.
• Varied Nutrient Profile: Depending on the base ingredients, vegan cheese can be a good source of essential nutrients. For example, nut-based cheeses are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Ingredients like nutritional yeast can provide B vitamins, including B12, which is a crucial nutrient often supplemented in vegan diets.
• Lower in Calories: Some vegan cheeses are lower in calories than their dairy counterparts, making them a favorable option for those managing their weight. However, this can vary widely depending on the ingredients used, so it’s essential to check product labels.
• Animal Welfare and Environmental Benefits: While not a direct health benefit, choosing vegan cheese supports animal welfare and has a lower environmental impact than dairy cheese production. For many, the ethical and environmental considerations of their food choices are an important aspect of their overall well-being.

Uses of vegan cheese in kitchen

Vegan cheese has become an indispensable ingredient in the plant-based kitchen, offering versatility and a range of culinary uses that can satisfy cheese cravings without the need for dairy.

Melting on Pizzas and Flatbreads

Vegan cheese melts wonderfully on top of pizzas and flatbreads, creating a gooey, stretchy topping that complements a variety of vegetables and sauces.

Incorporating into Pasta Dishes

Whether it’s a creamy Alfredo sauce, a baked ziti, or a classic mac and cheese, vegan cheese can be melted into pasta dishes to add richness and depth of flavor.

Enhancing Sandwiches and Wraps

Sliced or grated vegan cheese can elevate the taste of sandwiches and wraps, adding a creamy or tangy element that pairs well with vegetables, spreads, and plant-based proteins.

Creating Cheesy Dips and Spreads

Cashew-based and other soft vegan cheeses are perfect for blending into dips and spreads. They can be seasoned with herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast to mimic the flavors of traditional cheese dips.

Adding to Salads

Crumbling or shaving vegan cheese over salads can add an interesting texture and flavor contrast, especially with sharper varieties like vegan feta or Parmesan.

Baking into Casseroles and Lasagnas

Vegan cheese can be layered into casseroles and lasagnas, where it melts and binds the other ingredients together, creating comforting and hearty dishes.

Recipes using vegan cheese

VEGAN PARMESAN GARLIC SPAGHETTI

Ingredients

• 200 gms spaghetti (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vegan Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the spaghetti in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the vegan Parmesan cheese until the spaghetti is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional vegan Parmesan cheese on top.

  VEGAN PARMESAN ROASTED BROCCOLI

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the vegan Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the edges are crispy and browned.
5. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the broccoli.

VEGAN MAC AND CHEESE

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight then drained
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup grated vegan cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Bread crumbs for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the cashew mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Add the grated vegan cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce, stirring until the macaroni is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.
6. Place under a broiler for a few minutes until the top is golden and crispy (optional).
7. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy vegan mac and cheese.

VEGAN CHEDDAR CHEESE QUESADILLAS

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup grated vegan cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: avocado, salsa, and vegan sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle a quarter of the vegan cheddar cheese on half of the tortilla, followed by a layer of the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture, black beans, and corn. Fold the tortilla over to cover the fillings, creating a half-moon shape.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the filled tortilla on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
4. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
5. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with optional avocado slices, salsa, and vegan sour cream on the side.

VEGAN MARGHERITA PIZZA

Ingredients

• 1 pre- made pizza crust (ensure it’s vegan)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1-2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions, typically around 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes on top of the sauce.
5. Sprinkle the shredded vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Slice and serve hot.

VEGAN CAPRESE SALAD

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 200g (about 7 oz) vegan mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. On a large plate, alternate slices of tomato and vegan mozzarella cheese, slightly overlapping for presentation.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices of tomato and cheese.
3. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the arranged slices.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve as a refreshing starter or side dish.

Instructions

• Variety: There are many types of vegan cheese available, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese, made from different base ingredients. Experiment with various brands and types to find your favorites in terms of flavor and texture.
• Melting Differences: Not all vegan cheeses melt the same way dairy cheese does. Some may melt better than others, depending on their ingredients. Look for brands that specify “meltable” if you need it for pizzas, grilled cheese, or casseroles.
• Proper Storage: Vegan cheese often has a shorter shelf life than dairy cheese, so store it according to the package instructions, usually in the refrigerator. Some homemade vegan cheeses can be frozen for extended storage.

Conclusion

Vegan cheese has emerged as a formidable and delicious alternative to traditional dairy cheese, enriching the culinary landscape with its diversity and adaptability. Its development reflects a growing commitment to plant-based diets, sustainability, and inclusivity in food choices, catering to vegans, individuals with dairy intolerances, and anyone curious about reducing their dairy consumption without compromising on taste or texture.

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: 91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com