Vegan Cheese Board: Almond and Sunflower Spreads
Two creamy vegan cheese alternatives made from soaked almonds and sunflower seeds, blended with garlic, lemon, and herbs. The almond base is strained to a ricotta-like consistency and molded into cheese shape, while the sunflower version creates a smooth paste. Serve together on a board with crackers and fruit for an elegant plant-based charcuterie.
Ingredients
- 1 chávena de amêndoas cruas
- 3 chávenas de água
- 4 c sopa de azeite
- 1 c chá de sal
- 1 dente de alho
- q.b. orégãos
- q.b. pimenta preta
- q.b. nozes
- 1 chávena de sementes de girassol
- 4 c sopa de sumo de limão
- ½ chávena de água
- 1 tomate seco
- q.b. manjericão
Instructions
- 1
Soak almonds in water overnight, then drain.
- 2
Blend drained almonds with water, olive oil, salt, garlic clove, oregano, and black pepper until homogeneous and lump-free.
- 3
Strain mixture through fine cloth until you reach a ricotta-like consistency.
- 4
Mold into cheese shape and decorate with walnuts.
- 5
Soak sunflower seeds in water overnight, then drain.
- 6
Blend drained sunflower seeds with lemon juice, garlic clove, water, and diced dried tomato until creamy.
- 7
Transfer sunflower spread to a glass bowl and garnish with basil.
- 8
Serve both cheeses on a board with crackers and fruit.
Tips
Overnight soaking softens almonds and sunflower seeds, making them easier to blend.
Strain the almond mixture thoroughly through fine cloth to achieve the desired ricotta-like texture.
Use a fine-mesh cloth or cheesecloth for straining to avoid pulp in final spread.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate both spreads in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Prepare both cheeses up to 2 days ahead. Soak seeds and nuts the night before for efficiency.
Arrange on a wooden board with crackers, fresh fruit, and olives. Drizzle sunflower spread with additional olive oil if desired.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip straining the almond mixture to avoid a grainy, unpleasant texture.
Do not over-blend the sunflower spread to avoid excessive paste breakdown.
Do not skip overnight soaking to avoid fibrous, difficult-to-blend ingredients.
Substitutions
adds smoky depth