Plant-Based Smoky Gouda Cheese Wheel Appetizer Sensation ✨🌿💛
Ingredients:
1 cup (140g) raw cashews, soaked 4+ hours or overnight
1/2 cup (120ml) water or unsweetened plant milk
1/4 cup (30g) tapioca starch (for stretch)
3 tablespoons (45ml) nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon (15ml) refined coconut oil, melted (or other neutral oil)
1 tablespoon (15ml) white miso paste (optional, for umami depth)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
Optional: 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder + 1/2 cup (120ml) water for firmer set
Directions:
1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews thoroughly.
2. Combine soaked cashews, water/plant milk, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, melted coconut oil, miso paste (if using), smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and liquid smoke (if using) in a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and lump-free.
3. If using agar-agar: Whisk agar powder with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened. Immediately pour into the blender with the cashew mixture and blend again briefly to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly and vigorously with a whisk or silicone spatula. The mixture will start to thicken quickly. Keep stirring as it becomes glossy, stretchy, and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 5-8 minutes). Don't stop stirring to prevent burning.
5. Once very thick and stretchy, remove from heat.
6. Quickly pour the hot cheese mixture into a lightly oiled round container or mold (about 4-5 inches / 10-12 cm). Smooth the top.
7. Let cool slightly at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely firm and chilled.
8. Invert onto a serving plate. Slice and serve as you would Gouda.
Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 15 mins + soaking | Cooking Time: 10 mins | Chilling Time: 4-6 hrs | Total Time: 4 hrs 25 mins - 6 hrs 25 mins | Calories per Serving: Approx. 160 | Number of Servings: 6-8
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