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.

32 Responses

  1. Anonymous says:

    I'm trying to eat more raw foods. Not sure if I'll ever go completely raw but I love your posts and having cheese ….. mmmmm.

    I'd love to help you spread the word and boost your blog. See how here: http://www.grandmasguidetolife.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-boost-your-blog-stats.html

  2. Anonymous says:

    Oh, and I pinned so I can come back to this!

  3. Gah that loosk delicious!

  4. Richa says:

    the cheese texture looks so good!

  5. foodfeud says:

    Where do you find your probiotic powder?

  6. I'm with foodfeud – I'm new to probiotic powder. Where do you find yours? What brand? What other uses have you found for it? Thanks!

  7. You had me with "cheese"!! Yum!! As always – fabulous post!! I love it here!!!!
    xxxx

  8. Yasmine says:

    Hi Lisa,
    What sort of nuts did you use ? Your nutritional information is for which quantity? Thank you!

  9. oh my goodness, this looks amazing. I love it!

  10. Anonymous says:

    I appreciate that you put nutritional statistics with your recipes. Thanks! BTW, they look marvelous and I'll look forward to trying them.

  11. Anonymous says:

    this looks hard, there are a lot of steps

  12. Mari says:

    It seems like usually we soak nuts for cheese, but you don't soak the nuts first for this one?
    Can't wait to try it!

  13. Unknown says:

    Can this be frozen?

  14. Ponolicious says:

    Wow! love the graphics on your blog too! seriously inspired!

  15. Meredith says:

    I made it and mine tastes sour. Its been less than 24 hrs. Do you think I let it go too long?

  16. Anonymous says:

    What type of nut, and herbs did you use?

  17. Parad0x says:

    Two questions: Why the probiotic tablet, is it to ferment the cheese? If it is, it leads to my second question: Can I use active yeast instead?

    Will definitely give this a try!

  18. Gendi says:

    With hazelnuts do you have to remove the brown 'skin' on the nut first?

  19. Gendi says:

    Thanks for your reply. How long once made is it likely to keep in the fridge. I unexpectedly have to go away for a few days.

  20. Anonymous says:

    What kind of nuts is good to use? It doesn't say in the recipe. THANK YOU 🙂

  21. Philippine pili nuts from the Bicol region in the Philippines is a great Filipino or Philippines food orsnack. Pili nuts are very healthy and nutritious indeed, being a source of energy, potassium and iron.They also have protein, dietary fiber / fibre, and calcium as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  I know they have no cholesterol, no trans fat, and the unsalted ones have no sodium. What is great about the pili nut snack or treat is that they are so crisp, rich, and delicious.

  22. Nancye Smith says:

    I realise you say we can use any nuts we prefer, but I was wondering if you could tell your viewers your preferred choice of nuts? Love the site, and love the food. I'm quite eager to make a few of these mouthwatering 'Raw' dishes, they all look really beautiful, and so healthy, and thank you so much for sharing…

  23. jerawat says:

    awesome post, like your food.