Vegan Cotija Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
6 mins
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Total Time
6 mins
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Servings
2 cups
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Calories
614 kcal
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Cuisine
Mexican
Vegan Cotija Cheese
Description
Vegan Cotija Cheese blends almonds with pickle brine, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to create a dairy-free alternative to cotija cheese. Using blanched, slivered almonds helps achieve a crumbly but slightly moist texture when mixed with coconut oil and pickle juice. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, while lemon juice and salt introduce tang and seasoning.
The mixture is processed in a food processor to a coarse consistency, then pressed by hand into small crumbles. This makes it simple to sprinkle over tacos, salads, and other dishes that call for crumbled cotija. The use of pickle juice and lemon juice gives the crumbles a bright, savory taste.
The recipe suggests soaking the almonds overnight or for several hours before processing to ensure a smoother texture. Adjusting the seasoning by adding more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast allows personal taste preferences. It’s recommended to use a food processor rather than a blender for better consistency. The crumbles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup almonds blanched, slivered
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (pickle brine)
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the slivered almonds, pickle juice, refined coconut oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Process until the mixture forms a coarse texture, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a clean, dry bowl. Using your hands, squeeze and press the mixture together to form small crumbles. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more coconut oil or pickle juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once you've formed the crumbles, they are ready to use as vegan cotija cheese. Sprinkle them on top of tacos, salads, or any dish in need of a savory, cheesy finish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Soak slivered almonds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight before blending to obtain a smoother texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings like salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast to balance the flavor.
- Use a food processor instead of a blender to achieve a consistent crumble texture.
- Optionally, experiment by adding herbs like cilantro or spices such as cumin to customize the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 614 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 614kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 57g | 88% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 28g | 140% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Sodium | 528mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 617mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 6IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 192mg | 19% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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