Easy Basic Raw Vegan Nut Cheese Recipe

serves 8 ~ $1.49 per serving

  
ingredients 

• 2 cup nuts, soaked overnight ($9.90)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice ($.50)
• 1 teaspoon probiotic powder (or a few capsules, opened) ($1.50)
• dried or fresh herbs for rolling

directions

• In a blender, add together all the cheese ingredients except for the probiotics and dried herbs. Add more water if necessary for blending.
• Puree for several minutes until as smooth and creamy as possible. 
• Stir in probiotic powder.
• Pour into a jar or other glass container and cover with cheese cloth. 
• Let sit for about 24 hours at room temperature to develop a cheese flavor. As it sits, the nut "cream" will also  thicken up, making it easier to handle.
• Once the flavor has developed to your liking (taste test every so often), divide in three equal portions and form into circles. 
• Wrap each in the cheese cloth and place them in a colander with a weight or weighted plate on top. Put the colander in a sink or over a plate or bowl to catch any drips. A lot of the liquid will be pressed out of the cheese this way.
• Let it press for several hours.

This doesn't get gooey and it will be the consistency of firm cream cheese. Further pressing can make it a bit more firm.

When it has the desired consistency, remove from the cheese cloth, shape into a wheel and roll in dried or minced fresh herbs (optional).

For a harder rind on your cheese, place entire cheese wheel into dehydrator for several hours.


nutritional information

• calories: 180      fat: 17 gr      carbs: 5 gr      protein: 5 gr

*edited to add soaking nuts to directions and decrease water from 1 1/2 to 1 cup.