✨ Indian Inspired: Craft Your Own Vegan Cashew Paneer! 🇮🇳
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150g) raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 2 hours, or overnight
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
- 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Directions:
1. Drain Cashews: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, tapioca starch, agar-agar powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 5-7 minutes. It will become very thick and cheese-like.
4. Set the Paneer: Line a container or mold with cheesecloth or parchment paper. Pour the hot cheese mixture into the prepared container.
5. Press and Chill: Place a weight on top of the cheese mixture to press out excess liquid. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the paneer to firm up completely.
6. Cut and Use: Once firm, remove the paneer from the container and cut it into cubes or desired shapes. Use in your favorite Indian dishes, such as vegan butter "paneer" or palak "paneer".
Preparation Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including soaking) | Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours 30-45 minutes (including chilling) | Calories per Serving: 200 kcal (per serving, estimate, based on 8 servings) | Number of Servings: 8 servings
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