If you're a fan of cheese, but you're looking to reduce your consumption of animal products, vegan cheese is a delicious and humane alternative. But have you ever wondered how vegan cheese is made? At Healthy Substance in Chicago, we're proud to offer a variety of tasty and satisfying vegan cheese dishes, and in this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how this plant-based ingredient is produced.
How does the taste of vegan cheese compare to traditional dairy cheese?
The taste of vegan cheese can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. While some vegan cheeses closely mimic the taste of traditional dairy cheese, others may have a slightly different flavor profile. It's best to try different brands and varieties to find one that suits your palate.
The Basic Process of Making Vegan Cheese
The basic process of making vegan cheese is similar to that of regular cheese, in that it involves the use of microbes to ferment and coagulate plant-based ingredients. However, instead of using dairy milk as the base, vegan cheese is typically made from plant-based milk, such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
To make vegan cheese, the plant-based milk is first heated and combined with a vegan-friendly bacteria or enzyme, such as microbial rennet or bacterial culture. This ferments the milk, causing it to coagulate and form a curd. The curds are then separated from the whey, and the resulting cheese is pressed and aged to develop its flavor and texture.
Additional Ingredients to Improve Flavor and Texture
In addition to the plant-based milk and fermenting agents, vegan cheese can also contain other ingredients to improve its flavor and texture. These can include plant-based oils and fats, such as coconut oil and cashew butter, as well as seasonings, herbs, and spices. Some vegan cheeses also contain thickeners and stabilizers, such as agar or carrageenan, to help give them the right consistency.
We offer a Variety of Delicious Vegan Cheese Dishes
At Healthy Substance in Chicago, we offer a variety of delicious and satisfying vegan cheese dishes. Our menu includes dishes such as our Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich, made with homemade vegan cheese and served on sourdough bread, and our Vegan Mac and Cheese made with a creamy cashew-based cheese sauce. And for a tasty appetizer, be sure to try our Nachos, featuring a selection of artisanal vegan cheeses and accompaniments.
In conclusion
Vegan cheese is a delicious and humane alternative to traditional cheese, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. At Healthy Substance in Chicago, we're proud to offer a variety of tasty and satisfying vegan cheese dishes, made with high-quality, plant-based ingredients. We have also written other articles to help you on your vegan journey. One such article is packed with vegan tips that you may also enjoy reading!
Stop by one of our two restaurants in the Chicagoland area.
You now can enjoy great vegan Mexican food at the following locations:
Healthy Substance Garfield Ridge, 6852 W. Archer Ave Chicago, IL
Healthy Substance Wicker Park, 1480 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL
Please stop by soon and try some of our delicious vegan cheese dishes today!
