Homemade Vegan, Dairy-Free Cotija Cheese Substitute

With the list of the best Cotija substitutes available for you anytime, you surely would want to make sure you don't run out of options. Why not make your own Cotija cheese substitute using basic ingredients and tools?Whether you're looking for a regular substitute for Cotija cheese or a vegan Cotija cheese substitute, my recipe won't disappoint!

📝 Ingredients

• 1.5 cups almonds
• 2 tsp agar powder
• 1 tbsp distilled white or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp coconut oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Place the almonds in your large mixing bowl and add enough room-temperature water until they're covered.
2. 2Allow to soak for 10 to 12 hours (or overnight) at room temperature.
3. 3Once done, remove the skin and dump the almonds into your colander and allow the water to drain.
4. 4Put the drained almonds in your food processor or blender.
5. 5Add the yeast, vinegar, and salt.
6. 6Pulse until you have a smooth mixture.
7. 7Transfer the mixture to your clean mixing bowl, ensuring you scrape off any mixture remaining in your appliance to avoid wastage. Set aside.
8. 8In your saucepan, place the agar and water and allow to simmer over low-medium heat for three minutes or until the mixture thickens, ensuring you stir occasionally. If the agar isn't dissolving properly, add a teaspoon of water as and when needed.
9. 9Slowly transfer your thickened agar mixture to your food processor or blender and add the cooking oil.
10. 10Pulse for one to two minutes or until you have a mixture with a ricotta-like texture.
11. 11Transfer the mixture to your bowl of almond mixture and mix them together using your spatula.
12. 12Transfer the agar-almond mixture to your cheesecloth.
13. 13Wrap the mixture with your cheesecloth, twist, and gently squeeze to remove excess liquid.
14. 14Once you have removed the liquid, place the cheesecloth in a clean bowl and put it inside your fridge.
15. 15Allow your cheese to set overnight, although you can already use it after six hours.
16. 16Once set, unwrap the cheese and transfer it to a clean airtight container.