Oil-Free Vegan Butter Spread
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
25 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Oil-Free Vegan Butter Spread
Description
The spread starts by blending dry yellow corn polenta finely, then cooking it with water, garlic powder, and agar agar powder to provide gel-like firmness. Almond flour adds subtle richness and smoothness, while sweet corn kernels and nutritional yeast complement the flavor with sweet and savory notes. Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and salt balance the taste with acidity and seasoning.
Cooking involves whisking the mixture over low heat until thick and creamy and then activating the agar agar to set the spread firmly once cooled. The result is a low-fat vegan butter alternative with a soft, sliceable consistency and mild flavor.
This butter substitute can be stored refrigerated for up to four days but is not recommended for freezing, as moisture separation may occur. It is useful for spreading on bread, warming in sauces, or drizzling over vegetables and pasta, though its texture and flavor differ from traditional butter.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup yellow corn polenta see Note 1, dry/uncooked
- 1¼ cups water divided
- pinch of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder see Note 2 for options
- 2 Tablespoons almond flour see Note 3, blanched
- 1½ Tablespoons sweet corn I use frozen for convenience, kernels
- ½ teaspoon nutritional yeast optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt can reduce if you plan to spread on sweet dishes like pancakes, fine sea salt
Instructions
- Place dry polenta in a high-speed blender and cover with a piece of plastic wrap (this helps contain the powdery bits and prevents a mess from sticking to the inside of the blender lid). Place the lid on top of the plastic. Starting on low, quickly increase to high speed, and blend the polenta for about 10 seconds (breaking it into smaller pieces helps it cook more quickly).
- Pour the polenta into a small saucepan. Add a tiny pinch of garlic powder, 1 cup of water, and whisk well. Turn the eye to medium heat and bring to a low boil, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low, and continue to whisk frequently - careful, as it tends to sputter and spit and can burn you! Cook for about 7 minutes or until thick and creamy.
- In a small bowl, whisk the agar into the remaining ¼ cup water. Pour this into the pot and return to a low boil. Continue whisking and cook for about 30 seconds to activate the agar. Remove from heat and whisk in the almond flour, corn, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt.
- Rinse out the blender, and add the polenta mixture. Cover and starting on low speed, gradually increase to high. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust salt or lemon, if desired. Note that agar begins to set quickly. So as soon as you're finished blending, pour the corn butter into a mold/container.
- Refrigerate uncovered until cool, then cover and keep refrigerated until ready to use. Find serving suggestions and other helpful tips in the post above.
Notes
- Use finely ground yellow corn polenta for best texture, though medium grind cornmeal may be substituted with some flavor differences.
- Agar agar powder is essential to achieve firm setting; alternatives like tapioca starch may be used but will alter results.
- Blanched almond flour adds mild buttery flavor; substitutes include raw cashews, cashew butter, or raw sunflower seeds if allergic.
- Store refrigerated and use within 4 days; freezing is not recommended as moisture may separate upon thawing.
- For freshness beyond 4 days, consider warming the spread in cooking rather than using it cold.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 25 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 25kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1.5g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 245mg | 10% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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