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overhead of ricotta in a bowl with a cheese knife in it
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Sunflower Seed Vegan Ricotta Cheese

If you're looking for a vegan ricotta that's also nut-free and soy-free, this seed-based version is the answer! This creamy basil-infused sunflower seed ricotta is perfect for all your favorite Italian baked pasta dishes such as baked ziti or lasagna. It also makes a flavorful cracker spread and pizza topping!
Course Ingredient, Snack
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
Keyword dairy-free, gluten free, nut free, oil free, soy-free, vegan, vegan cheese
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 -8 people
Calories 166kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • First, you have to soak the sunflower seeds. The quickest method is by covering them with boiling water for 20 minutes. If you prefer, you can cover them with cold water for 6-8 hours instead. 
  • Drain and rinse sunflower seeds. If you are using the hot water method to soak your seeds, it's important to ensure they are rinsed under cold water so they are not hot when you add them to the blender/food processor as it will change the consistency of the ricotta.
  • Add the sunflower seeds to a high-powered blender or food processor. Add water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt and apple cider vinegar to the blender. Blend on high until sunflower seeds have been fully blended and no visible chunks of the seeds remain, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. You can add 1-2 tablespoons more water if needed and blend again. The final product should be creamy with the consistency resembling traditional ricotta. Be careful not to overblend or the consistency will become paste-like.
  • Transfer mixture to a large bowl and stir in chopped basil, black pepper and garlic powder. You can use the cheese right away but if you have time, I suggest refrigerating it for at least one hour to infuse the flavors.

Video

Notes

Sunflower seed ricotta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of ricotta.
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Fiber: 3g