๐ฑ๐ง Almond ‘Feta Cheese’ Spread with Herb Oil ๐ฟ๐ฝ๏ธ
Almond ‘Feta Cheese’ Spread is a delightful vegan alternative to traditional dairy-based feta cheese. It offers a creamy, tangy, and slightly crumbly texture that resembles the real thing. This plant-based spread is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a popular choice among vegans and those with dairy allergies.
๐ History:
The history of almond ‘feta cheese’ spread can be traced back to the growing demand for dairy-free alternatives in the vegan and lactose-intolerant communities. Almonds, with their creamy consistency and mild flavor, were an ideal choice to create a cheese-like texture. This spread gained popularity in recent years as veganism and plant-based diets surged in popularity.
๐ฅ Components:
- Almonds: The main ingredient is blanched almonds, which provide the creamy base for the spread.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy flavor similar to traditional feta cheese.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor and additional nutrients.
- Garlic: Adds a savory kick.
- Salt: To enhance the flavors.
- Herb Oil: Made from fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil for a fragrant and flavorful topping.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare Almond ‘Feta Cheese’ Spread with Herb Oil:
Step 1: Soak Almonds
- Take 1 cup of blanched almonds and soak them in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This softens the almonds for blending.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the soaked almonds, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 2 cloves of garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until you get a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor and blend again for uniform texture.
Step 3: Prepare Herb Oil
- In a separate bowl, mix a handful of fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme) with about 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble
- Transfer the almond ‘feta cheese’ spread into a serving dish.
- Drizzle the herb oil mixture over the spread.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for an hour or two to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or as a dip for vegetables.
โฐ Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for almond ‘feta cheese’ spread with herb oil can vary, but on average, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare the spread itself (not including soaking time for almonds) and an additional hour for chilling. So, in total, you should budget around 1.5 to 2 hours.
This vegan almond ‘feta cheese’ spread is a delicious and healthy alternative that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a dip. Enjoy its creamy texture and savory, herb-infused oil for a delightful culinary experience! ๐ฟ๐ง๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond ‘Feta Cheese’ Spread:
๐ฑ Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
๐ฝ๏ธ Health Information:
-
Good Source of Healthy Fats: Almond ‘Feta Cheese’ Spread is rich in healthy fats, primarily coming from almonds and olive oil. These fats can contribute to heart health and provide sustained energy.
-
Low in Saturated Fat: This spread is low in saturated fats, which are known to be less healthy for the heart. The primary source of fats here is monounsaturated fats from almonds and olive oil.
-
Vegan and Dairy-Free: It’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. It provides a creamy texture and cheesy flavor without any dairy.
-
Plant-Based Protein: Almonds in this spread provide a moderate amount of plant-based protein, making it a suitable choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to meet their protein needs.
-
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a source of essential B vitamins, including B12, which can be challenging to obtain on a vegan diet.
-
Low in Sugar: This spread contains no added sugars, making it suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
-
Rich in Flavor: The use of herbs and garlic in the spread not only adds flavor but also potential health benefits. Garlic, for instance, is known for its immune-boosting properties.
-
Moderate Sodium: The sodium content is relatively moderate. Those watching their sodium intake may want to consume it in moderation.
Remember that serving sizes can vary, so it’s essential to adjust the nutrition facts accordingly based on your portion size. Enjoy this almond ‘feta cheese’ spread as part of a balanced diet for a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals! ๐ฟ๐ง๐
