Description
This homemade Vegan Ricotta is a creamy, fluffy, and versatile dairy-free cheese alternative made with raw slivered almonds, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Perfect for lasagna, stuffed shells, pizza, or enjoying as a spread, it’s quick and easy to prepare using just a blender.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups raw slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Quick soak the almonds: Bring a few cups of water to a boil using a tea kettle or pot. Place the almonds in a measuring cup or bowl and pour the boiling hot water over them to cover. Let them soak for 5 minutes or up to an hour to soften.
- Blend ingredients: Drain the soaked almonds and discard the soaking water. Add the softened almonds, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and 3/4 cup of water to a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix. Blend until very smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Adjust texture: Add up to another 3/4 cup of water and blend again until the mixture is silky-smooth and fluffy to your desired consistency.
- Add herbs (optional): For extra flavor, incorporate herbs like 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves and blend briefly to combine.
- Use or store: The vegan ricotta is now ready to be used in recipes such as vegan lasagna, stuffed shells, or dolloped on pizza before baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This ricotta makes a perfect dairy-free alternative that is fluffy and creamy, suitable for many Italian-inspired dishes.
- Adjust the water amount to achieve your preferred ricotta thickness.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor.
- For a thicker version, soak almonds for longer or reduce added water.
- Use a high-powered blender to ensure smooth texture without graininess.
- Store in refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 157 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 219 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
