Most recipes are designed for omnivores, and use plenty of cheese. That won't work for a vegan pesto. Luckily, there are now plenty of options for replacing that animal product.
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.
Of all the substitutions, the easiest is just don't use it. Of the few people who notice the missing cheese, the slightly changed dish might be preferred. Removing one ingredient may make it less authentic, but it does not make it bad. It only becomes different.
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.
Of all the substitutions, the easiest is just don't use it. Of the few people who notice the missing cheese, the slightly changed dish might be preferred. Removing one ingredient may make it less authentic, but it does not make it bad. It only becomes different.
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