This vegan Parmesan cheese-infused dish is a true delight for mushroom lovers. The combination of earthy oyster mushrooms, sautéed garlic and onion, and a creamy plant-based sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The nutritional yeast and grated vegan Parmesan cheese add a rich, umami depth to the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta or grain bowl.
In the culinary world, Parmesan cheese is often hailed as a kitchen staple. Its salty, nutty flavor has the power to enhance a wide range of dishes, from classic Italian pasta to creamy risotto. But for those who follow a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, the use of Parmesan cheese is often off limits. Fear not, cheese lovers! With a little creativity and a few clever substitutions, you can now enjoy the taste of Parmesan in all its glory, without compromising your dietary preferences.
This vegan Parmesan cheese is a testament to the ingenuity of plant-based cuisine. It's made with a combination of nutritional yeast, a deactivated yeast that has a nutty, cheesy flavor, and grated vegan Parmesan cheese, which is typically made from cashews, almonds, or tofu. The result is a dairy-free ingredient that mimics the taste and texture of traditional Parmesan cheese remarkably well.
This recipe for Parmesan's Pure Delight is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the versatility of vegan Parmesan cheese. It features oyster mushrooms, which are sautéed until golden brown and release their flavorful liquid. A creamy sauce made with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan Parmesan cheese is then added to the skillet, creating a rich and satisfying dish that is both hearty and comforting.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 lb oyster mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Remove the cooked garlic and onion from the skillet and set aside.
Add the oyster mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they become golden brown and release their liquid, about 10 minutes.
Return the garlic and onion to the skillet and stir.
Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until a smooth sauce forms.
Stir in the nutritional yeast, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Why It Works
Sautéing the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant develops their sweetness and depth of flavor.
Using oyster mushrooms adds a meaty texture to the dish, making it a satisfying meal even for non-vegetarians.
The gradual whisking of the plant-based milk into the skillet ensures a smooth and lump-free sauce.
The addition of nutritional yeast and vegan Parmesan cheese provides a rich, umami flavor that mimics the taste of traditional Parmesan cheese.
Simmering the dish for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.