Description
This homemade Vegan Ricotta is a creamy, fluffy, and versatile plant-based alternative to traditional ricotta cheese made from raw almonds, lemon juice, and simple seasonings. Perfect for adding rich texture to lasagna, pizza, stuffed shells, or enjoying it as a dip or spread.
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 kettle or stovetop. Place the slivered almonds in a measuring cup or bowl and pour the boiling water over them until fully covered. Let soak for 5 minutes or up to 1 hour to soften the almonds.
- Blend the ricotta: Drain and discard the soaking water. Add the soaked almonds, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and 3/4 cup of water into a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix. Blend until very smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust texture: Gradually add up to another 3/4 cup of water while blending to achieve a silky-smooth and fluffy ricotta consistency. Blend until fully incorporated.
- Add optional herbs: Optionally, mix in herbs like 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil or a handful of fresh basil to enhance the flavor before using.
- Use or store: Use the vegan ricotta immediately in recipes like vegan lasagna, stuffed shells, or dolloped on pizza before baking. Otherwise, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- This recipe is very versatile and can be used in many dishes that call for ricotta.
- You can customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
- Soaking time can be extended for softer almonds for an even creamier texture.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use a high-powered blender for best texture results.
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
