Healthy, tasty pesto is a great addition to most kitchens. Regular pesto, like you can find in stores, contains Parmesan, which isn't vegan. Here are some tips for finding or making your own vegan pesto.
Health food stores and Kosher grocers may carry dairy-free prepared pesto. Health food stores cater to vegetarians, and carry a range of specialty items designed with their eating habits in mind. Kosher grocers are similar, but for those following Kosher eating rules. Either will be easier to find in cities with large populations, but may also be found online.
Located in those same stores are dairy-free cheeses. These substitutes for regular cheese are made from plant products like herbs and almonds. For people who can't find or afford an acceptable Parmesan substitute in the store, there are plenty of recipes online to try. Homemade or purchased, cheese substitutes are swapped for an equal amount of the real thing.
One common tip is to replace the Parmesan with extra nuts. Most recipes already contain pine nuts, but the addition of some ground almonds can push the flavor closer to the original. Some recipes suggest macadamia or other nuts, as well. Additional nuts increase the creaminess and fat content, standing in for Parmesan.
Finally, the easiest tip is to just leave it out. While Parmesan may be required for a traditional recipe, taking it out doesn't ruin everything. The flavor may change a little, but most people won't even notice it is missing. And those who do notice may prefer the new recipe.
With vegan pesto sourced and in-hand, the new problem is using it. The heavy basil flavor can be used to perk up soups and sauces, where it excels. It can also be used in place of other spreads on panini, in Italian-inspired burritos, or as a pizza base. And, of course, it can always be used on basic pasta. Read more about: Vegan Pesto
Health food stores and Kosher grocers may carry dairy-free prepared pesto. Health food stores cater to vegetarians, and carry a range of specialty items designed with their eating habits in mind. Kosher grocers are similar, but for those following Kosher eating rules. Either will be easier to find in cities with large populations, but may also be found online.
Located in those same stores are dairy-free cheeses. These substitutes for regular cheese are made from plant products like herbs and almonds. For people who can't find or afford an acceptable Parmesan substitute in the store, there are plenty of recipes online to try. Homemade or purchased, cheese substitutes are swapped for an equal amount of the real thing.
One common tip is to replace the Parmesan with extra nuts. Most recipes already contain pine nuts, but the addition of some ground almonds can push the flavor closer to the original. Some recipes suggest macadamia or other nuts, as well. Additional nuts increase the creaminess and fat content, standing in for Parmesan.
Finally, the easiest tip is to just leave it out. While Parmesan may be required for a traditional recipe, taking it out doesn't ruin everything. The flavor may change a little, but most people won't even notice it is missing. And those who do notice may prefer the new recipe.
With vegan pesto sourced and in-hand, the new problem is using it. The heavy basil flavor can be used to perk up soups and sauces, where it excels. It can also be used in place of other spreads on panini, in Italian-inspired burritos, or as a pizza base. And, of course, it can always be used on basic pasta. Read more about: Vegan Pesto
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