Vegan Feta Cheese

Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe from Croatia with Tofu and Nutritional Yeast

Region / culture: Croatia | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Vegan Feta Cheese is a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional feta cheese. Made with tofu and a blend of seasonings, this vegan version is perfect for those following a plant-based diet or looking to reduce their dairy intake.

History

The recipe for Vegan Feta Cheese has been around for many years, as people have been looking for dairy-free alternatives to traditional cheese. This version uses tofu as the base, which provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that is similar to feta cheese.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) firm Mori nu-lite tofu, frozen, thawed, drained and cut into 0.25- to 0.5 inch cubes
2 cup water
2.5 tbsp nutritional yeast
0.5 tsp salt, or salt-free seasoning
0.25 tsp onion powder
0.25 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp garlic powder
pinch of parsley, dill, thyme, marjoram and turmeric
0.25 cup red wine vinegar
0.25 cup weak chicken-flavoured broth
1 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp minced fresh dill, or 1 tsp dried
1 tsp low-sodium tamari
0.5 tsp salt, or salt-free seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp garlic powder

How to prepare

Place the first set of ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain the mixture and transfer it to a bowl.
Whisk together the second set of ingredients until they are well blended.
Pour the mixture over the tofu and gently toss it.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for several hours, stirring occasionally to ensure that the tofu cubes are evenly coated by the marinade.
Store the mixture in the fridge (it can be kept for a week or more), and drain it before using.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs and spices to the marinade. Try adding fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to freeze, thaw, and drain the tofu before using it in this recipe. This will help to remove excess moisture and give the tofu a firmer texture.

- Be sure to let the tofu marinate in the seasoning mixture for several hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Stir the mixture occasionally while it is marinating to ensure that the tofu cubes are evenly coated with the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Feta Cheese can be enjoyed on salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for pasta dishes. It adds a creamy and tangy flavor to any dish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Vegan Feta Cheese is to let the tofu marinate in the seasoning mixture for several hours. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and give the tofu a tangy and savory taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of miso paste for added umami flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Vegan Feta Cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply drain the mixture before using it in your favorite dishes.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vegan Feta Cheese on a platter with olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a beautiful and delicious appetizer.

Pairing Recommendations

Vegan Feta Cheese pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or a fresh green salad. It adds a creamy and tangy flavor to any dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Vegan Feta Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Drain the mixture before using it in your favorite dishes. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vegan Feta Cheese contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vegan Feta Cheese contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vegan Feta Cheese contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Vegan Feta Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegan Feta Cheese is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and tree nuts (tahini). It is free of dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Summary

Vegan Feta Cheese is a nutritious and delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional feta cheese. It is high in protein and calcium, making it a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Vegan Feta Cheese. It was a sunny day in the middle of summer, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was always experimenting with new recipes, and that day she proudly presented me with a plate of delicious vegan feta cheese she had made herself. I took one bite and was instantly hooked.

Maria explained to me that she had learned the recipe from her vegan cooking class, where the instructor had shared the secret to making the perfect dairy-free feta cheese. Intrigued by the idea of creating a plant-based alternative to traditional feta, I asked Maria if she could teach me how to make it too.

And so, that day, we spent hours in her kitchen, mixing and stirring, tasting and adjusting, until we finally achieved the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The result was a creamy, tangy, and crumbly vegan feta cheese that tasted just like the real thing. I was amazed at how simple it was to make and how delicious it turned out to be.

From that day on, I was determined to master the art of making vegan feta cheese myself. I started experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, adding my own twists and variations to the recipe. I tried using different types of nuts and seeds, various herbs and spices, and even experimented with different fermentation methods to enhance the flavor and texture of the cheese.

Over the years, I perfected my recipe for vegan feta cheese, drawing inspiration from various sources and incorporating tips and tricks I picked up along the way. I learned how to make my own vegan yogurt to use as a base for the cheese, how to incorporate probiotics to give it a tangy flavor, and how to age it just right to achieve that crumbly texture.

I shared my creations with friends and family, who were all amazed at how delicious and authentic my vegan feta cheese tasted. They couldn't believe it was made entirely from plant-based ingredients and not a single trace of dairy in sight. I felt proud to have discovered such a versatile and tasty alternative to traditional feta cheese.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my recipe for vegan feta cheese, constantly striving to improve and innovate. I experimented with different flavor combinations, incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs to create new and exciting variations of the cheese.

I even started selling my vegan feta cheese at the local farmer's market, where it quickly became a bestseller. People couldn't get enough of its creamy texture and tangy flavor, and I was thrilled to be able to share my love for plant-based cooking with the community.

Now, whenever I make my vegan feta cheese, I think back to that sunny day at Maria's cottage by the sea and how it sparked my passion for creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes. I am grateful for all the knowledge and inspiration I have gained over the years, and I look forward to sharing my love for vegan cooking with future generations to come.