Cashew Parmesan Cheese
You’ll never want to buy vegan parmesan cheese again once you discover how easy (and affordable!) it is to make at home! WIth just 6 simple ingredients that you probably already have at home, you can easily stay stocked up on homemade vegan parm and add it to everything!
Cashews and nutritional yeast are the main ingredients in this vegan parmesan recipe, and we’re all familiar with cashews, but you may be wondering what exactly nutritional yeast is. Rather than “regular” yeast that is typically used to make dough rise, nutritional yeast serves a different purpose, as a flavoring agent instead, and it is also high in many nutrients, which is how it gets its name.
Did you know that animal-based parmesan cheese isn’t even vegetarian!? That’s right, it contains rennet, which is stomach lining, from calves raised for veal. In fact, most hard cheeses require rennet, meaning that they aren’t suitable for vegetarians, either! One of the many perks of making your own food at home is that you know exactly what is going in it.
Regular yeast needs to be activated by combining it with water or (vegan) milk and a small amount of sugar when using. Nutritional yeast does not need to be activated and is ready to be enjoyed as-is.
I love to throw together this Cashew Parmesan Cheese and keep it in my refrigerator to add to everything; from pasta dishes, to popcorn, pizza, and even salads and vegetable stir-fries. The nutritional yeast and hemp seeds provide a healthy dose of B vitamins and omegas, and this simple little recipe contributes tons of flavor to any dish!
If you’re currently experimenting with lowering your intake of dairy and introducing more dairy replacements into your diet, replacing animal-based cheese with vegan cheese is a great step to take. We have all been taught that dairy products are a great source of calcium, however, they have many other undesirable traits that are best avoided! Animal-based dairy products, especially cheeses, are full of saturated fat. Cheese is made by coagulating milk proteins to form curds, which are then pressed, aged and ripened to create the cheeses that fill supermarket shelves. Saturated fat is at the heart of non-vegan cheeses, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that it’s good for heart health.
Numerous studies have linked the intake of saturated fat to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, and it can also contribute to inflammation and weight gain, among other health conditions. Dairy consumption has many adverse side effects that are often quickly and easily cleared up once one decides to remove it from their diet. Among the most common conditions that are often reversed once dairy stops being consumed are digestive issues, acne and other skin conditions, and hormone imbalances.
Digestive issues with dairy are actually so common, that about 70% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, and they don’t even know it! Rather than indulging in cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt, and other dairy products, and feeling miserable and regretting it later, why not opt for a non-dairy option and save yourself the distress? Thankfully, non-dairy options are everywhere now, and they’re so easy to make at home. I’ve been making vegan cheeses at home for years, and I buy them at times, too; they’re available in every grocery store! When weighing the positives and negatives of deciding whether or not to consume dairy, it just doesn’t make sense anymore to be eating dairy products, when we now have alternatives that are delicious, healthy, and easily accessible!
This Vegan Parmesan Cheese will satisfy any cheese craving, and because it’s so healthy and versatile, you could even enjoy it every day if you wanted to!
Raw Cashews: Cashews serve as the base for this vegan Parmesan Cheese. They provide an almost buttery texture, and the healthy fats mimic the fats in animal-based cheeses. In addition to being packed with healthy fats, cashews are a great source of plant-based protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, making them a wholesome addition to any dish.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a pantry staple for many vegans; it creates the wonderful, cheesy flavor that is oh so necessary for vegan Parmesan. Unlike traditional yeast used for baking, nutritional yeast is inactive, meaning it serves primarily as a seasoning ingredient. Regular yeast is often used in dough to help it rise, but nutritional yeast couldn’t be more different in this way. It’s also a great source of B vitamins, including B12, as well as protein and fiber. Nutritional yeast is wonderful for so many types of dishes, some easy ways to use it are to sprinkle it on popcorn, potato dishes, or pasta!
Hemp Seeds: Adding a subtle nuttiness and an extra boost of nutrition, hemp seeds are a secret weapon in this vegan Parmesan recipe. Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (they’re not only found in fish!) as well as protein, making them a valuable addition for both flavor and health benefits.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Using garlic and onion powders not only enhance the cheesy taste of the nutritional yeast, but garlic and onion are both known to provide immune support and contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Salt: A pinch of salt ties all of the flavors together, enhancing the cheesy flavor and balancing the other seasonings.
Ingredients
½ C raw cashews
¼ C nutritional yeast
2 T hemp seeds
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1. Add the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, hemp seeds, garlic powder, onion powder and salt in a food processor or blender.
2. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a fine, crumbly texture, being careful not to over process.
3. Taste the vegan parmesan cheese mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or garlic powder according to your preference.
4. Transfer the Cashew Parmesan Cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Sprinkle on top of pasta dishes, salads, roasted vegetables, pizza, or any other dishes where you would typically use Parmesan cheese!
Stefanie is the founder of Life, Veganized, and a passionate vegan and animal advocate. She creates vegan recipes for all palates and resides in Los Angeles with her adorable puggle, Zeus.
