This vegan mozzarella is a delicious addition to the Christmas table. The macadamias give it a mild, creamy taste and results in a sliceable texture that makes it right at home in a Caprese salad. The mozzarella is grain free, gluten free and low FODMAP, perfect for a number of dietary requirements.
Ingredients
Creamy mozzarella base
- 125 g raw macadamias soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes and then drained
- 125 ml macadamia milk or plant based milk of choice
- 2 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour/starch
- 1/4 cup deodorised coconut oil measured after melting
To finish base
- 325 ml water
- 1 tbsp agar agar powder
- 1 tsp psyllium husk powder
Caprese salad
- 5-6 large tomatoes
- 1 bunch basil leaves picked
- 1/2-1 batch vegan macadamia mozzarella sliced
- Drizzle of good quality olive or macadamia oil
- Sea salt flakes
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the creamy mozzarella base in your high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 2 minutes or until completely smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and agar agar powder. Whisk to incorporate, then place over a low medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken. It should become cloudier and produce lots of little bubbles across the bottom of the pan. This step is important for a sliceable mozzarella, so don’t rush the process.
- When your mixture is ready, pour in the creamy mozzarella base and whisk to combine. The mixture should thicken quite quickly and become stringy and gloopy. Sprinkle over the psyllium husk powder while whisking and whisk vigorously to ensure it doesn’t clump. It should be evenly distributed.
- Continue cooking the mixture for 1-2 minutes. It should develop a thicker béchamel consistency and take a few seconds to settle back into the pan if you lift it up with the whisk. As you whisk, you should be able to catch glimpses of the bottom of the pan as the mixture lifts. Take the mozzarella off the heat and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. It will look too runny to scoop, but don’t worry.
- Prepare a medium mixing bowl with iced water. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop up 50c sized balls of mozzarella. Neaten the dangly, sticky edges of the mozzarella with a spoon or your fingers. Dip the ice cream scoop into the iced water to encourage the ball to vacate. The edges of the ball should set up on entering the iced water. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Place the mozzarella in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. It should be firm and feel almost like a hard-poached egg on the outside when set. Slice and serve!
- Leftovers will keep for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- For the caprese salad, slice and arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving platter. Top with basil leaves. Dress with the oil, sea salt flakes and balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
This recipe is vegan, gluten free and grain free.
Leftovers will keep for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Makes 10 medium mozzarella balls.
Serves 4-6 as a side dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 815mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 857IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg
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