Vegan Halloumi Cheese

This Vegan Halloumi Cheese recipe is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional halloumi. It’s completely gluten-free and made from simple, plant-based ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of flavors is exquisite, and the cheese paired with the glaze makes for a perfect dish that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Ingredients:
For the Vegan Halloumi:
Cashews: 1 cup (boiled for ten minutes to soften)
Agar powder: 1/2 tsp
Onion powder: 1 tsp
Water: 3/4 cup
Nutritional yeast flakes: 2 tbsp
Garlic powder: 1 tsp
Salt: to taste
Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
For the Glaze:
Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
Thyme: 1/4 tsp
Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Maple syrup: 2 tbsp
For Garnish:
Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives)
Instructions:
Preparation of Cashews:
Begin by boiling the cashews in water for about ten minutes until they become soft. This step is crucial for achieving the creamy texture needed for the halloumi.
Blending:
Once the cashews are boiled, drain them and rinse with cold water. Drain them again thoroughly.
Place the cashews in a high-speed blender along with 3/4 cup of fresh water, nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Blend the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient to ensure there are no chunks left.
Cooking the Mixture:
Transfer the blended cashew cream to a nonstick skillet.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a paste-like consistency. The agar powder will help in setting the mixture into a firm cheese-like texture.
Setting the Cheese: