Cheese is a staple in lots of classic Italian dishes, from lasagne to pizza, but for people who can’t have dairy, it can make things a little tricky.
Luckily, things have come a long way in the cheese departments, and there are lots of delicious dairy-free alternatives to cheese.
Mandy Sacher is a cookbook author and Global Chief Nutrition Officer at MindChamps Australia. She says when looking for a dairy free alternative, the “most nutritious options are based on plant foods such as cashew nuts and almonds.
Dairy-free cheese sauce alternative
When it comes to making a delicious dairy-free cheese sauce, Mandy says the following ingredients are all you need.
“Coconut cream, arrowroot or cornstarch (to be used to thicken the sauce) and a low sodium vegetable stock (to add flavour),” she says.
She adds: “In this recipe I’ve also added nutritional yeast, chia seeds and tofu to boost the flavour and the nutrients.”
The recipe for cheese sauce below can be adapted and used in dishes like lasagne or risotto.
Cauliflower mac and no cheese
Ingredients
Method
Preheat grill to medium high (180°C).
Cook the pasta 8-10 min, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Place cauliflower in a food processor and process until it reaches a rice-like consistency.
Heat oil in a large saucepan, sauté cauliflower on medium heat for about 5 mins, or until softened.
Sprinkle cornflour and garlic powder on top and sauté for another minute.
Add cream and vegetable stock, stir for 2-3 mins or until the sauce thickens.
Add yeast, chia seeds and tofu, allow to cool slightly, blend with a high-powered hand blender until smooth and creamy.
Place the pasta in a casserole dish and pour the cauliflower sauce over it. Stir until everything is coated with the sauce. Grill in the oven for 8-10 mins or until golden brown.
Mandy’s serving suggestion: Serve immediately with a garden salad or steamed vegetables.
Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Tips:
Allergies:
For a gluten-free version: Swap wholegrain pasta for brown rice pasta.
Easy ingredient swaps:
Swap cornflour for wholemeal spelt flour or wholemeal flour.
Swap cauliflower for broccoli to turn the dish into a “Hulk” Mac ‘no’ Cheese.
Additional boosters: Boost this recipe by adding grated vegetables of choice such as zucchini, white sweet potato or parsnip to the sauce.
Baby-friendly version: Serve mashed or cut into finger food-sized pieces.
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