Transitioning to a plant-based diet can be a hurdle for some children; especially, cutting out dairy and dairy products like cheese. But plant-based does not mean your food has to be boring. In fact, many recipes can be easily enhanced to suit your child’s palate by addition of these vegan and plant-based alternatives. The best part is most of the substitutions are low fat, cholesterol-free, and good for you. Here’s a few substitutes you can try at home:
Infographic Click Here | Cashew cheese Cashews are an indulgent creamy and nutritious nut. When pureed and seasoned correctly, it becomes a great substitute for brie cheese with addition of nutritional yeast, garlic. It can also be used to make cream cheese. Cashew-based cheeses are very versatile and can be adapted to both sweet savoury dishes. You can enhance the flavour of the cheese by adding herbs and spices complimentary to your dish of choice. |
Almonds cheese
Almonds have a mild nutty flavour that works well with a wide range of herbs and spices. The texture of almond based cheese substitute are very similar to creamy fresh cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese or even goat cheese. You can use it in pasta, sandwiches, and salads and even on top of pizza. Seasoning it with salt, pepper and lime juice usually will suffice to mimic the flavour of cheese, but you can take it over the top by adding flavourings like dijon mustard, nutritional yeast and minced garlic.
Tofu cheese
Tofu and other soy based cheeses are absolutely delicious. These contain many umami notes that are perfectly suited for cheese. Tofu based cheese have a buttery, nutty, melty texture that makes them very versatile. Some recipes combine agar-agar, potato and tofu to create cheese that are melty and even crisp up to form a crust. You can also mimic the texture and taste of gouda with tofu. It’s great for melting on pizza, using in lasagne and even in a pressed Panini.
Coconut cheese
Coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and agar-agar can be combined to create a beautiful grate-able cheese. You can turn up the intensity by adding liquid smoke to deepen the flavour. Some recipes even allow you to create a stretchy, melty cheese that can be served on pizza, mac and cheese and even eaten with crackers. The taste of coconut cheese is truly unforgettable.
Aquafaba cheese
This ingredient is a hidden gem of plant-based cooking. Aquafaba is the fancy name for the liquid from a can of chickpeas or other beans. It may look inconspicuous, but with a little whipping it turns very decadent and fluffy. Aquafaba turns into a solid sliceable deeply flavoured cheese when combine with agar-agar. You can season it your liking to suit the recipe at hand. This cheese also melts well under moist heat and can be used as a part of many recipes.
Root vegetable cheese
Carrots, beets and potatoes sound like an unlikely combination to turn into cheese, but it works. This ingredient when combined with a little nutritional yeast and seasoning of your choice make a lovely spreadable cheese with a luxurious texture. The best part is, it’ll be so tasty your children won’t even notice you are feeding them vegetables. This cheese also makes for a great queso dip for nachos and can be used as a cheesy pasta sauce as well.
Zucchini cheese
Yes, zucchini can turn into cheese and it is absolutely delicious. You’ll need some zucchini, garlic, onion, hemp hearts and some agar-agar to create this sliceable masterpiece. This is a cheese both children and adults will enjoy. It can be sliced and grated making it ideal for use in sandwiches and salads.
Conclusion:
After knowing what delicious, cheesy foods taste like, it is difficult to shift to plant-based foods, even for adults. When your child is asking for cheese, now you don’t have to deny, you can give these plant-based cheese and see that smile on your child’s face!
References:
Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese [Vegan]. One Green Planet.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/garlic-and-herb-cream-cheese/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021
Sliceable Zucchini Cheese and Spreadable Tomato Nacho Cheese. One Green Planet. https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/sliceable-zucchini-cheese-and-spreadable-tomato-nacho-cheese/. Accessed on 28-06-2021
Smoked Coconut Gouda. One Green Planet.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/how-to-make-smoked-coconut-gouda/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021
Potato and Carrot Cheese. One Green Planet.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/potato-and-carrot-cheese/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021
Chipotle Aquafaba Cheese. One Green Planet.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/chipotle-aquafaba-cheese/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021
Tofu Gouda. One Green Planet.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/tofu-gouda/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021
Roasted Garlic and Fresh Herb Cream Cheez. One Green Planet.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/roasted-garlic-and-fresh-herb-cream-cheez/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021
