Out of the Blue

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by Hannah (BitterSweet)
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Sharp. Salty. Smelly. Moldy.
What, were you raised in a cave?

If you happened to be a wheel of blue cheese, the answer is most likely “Yes!”

These complex blue-veined curds have traditionally been aged in caves, and still are to acquire the distinctive ambrosial funk specific to the local bacterial population. Some speculate the the earliest batches of the stinky wheels were actually mistakes, unintentionally inoculated with the natural mold in these subterranean shelters. Praise of the highest order is due to the brave soul who first thought such a terrible case of spoilage might still be edible, let alone delicious.

Though caves are no longer required for production, such a unique flavor and aroma can only be reproduced with Penicillium roqueforti cultures to accurately bear the label. Such rigorous regulations put this funky delicacy firmly out of reach for the average food crafter, no matter how obsessive, especially if dairy is off the menu.

Authenticity be damned, irrepressible cravings for a bite of the blue stuff needn’t be denied for lack of access to this illusive ingredient. Lending its own singular sort of funk, fermented Chinese tofu is what gives my plant-based facsimile its unmistakable, irrepressible twang. Taking this shortcut to building instant bold flavors allows my particular cheesy delight to achieve depth without delay. No need to wait for any spores to work their magic; it’s instantly delicious, as soon as it’s set.

Swirls of blue-green algae lend it a convincing appearance, but this is purely for aesthetics. Feel free to skip straight to the finish line without detracting from the overall eating experience one bit.

Such a pungent fixing goes a long way in small doses, which makes it ideal for sprinkling on salads or mixing into dips, rather than serving it up solo. Finally achieving my platonic ideal of a wedge salad, this deceptively simple composition of crunchy lettuce, smoky bacon bits, and fresh cherry tomatoes is really just a vehicle for that deeply savory dressing. Go ahead and really slather it on thick; we all know you’re not eating a head of iceberg lettuce for any other reason.

Yield: Makes About 1/2 Pound Blue Cheese

Vegan Blue Cheese

Vegan Blue Cheese

Funky, fermented blue cheese takes shape with a Chinese tofu and no dairy at all! This vegan version is quick and easy to whip up, and packs in a savory, satisfyingly salty flavor into every creamy bite.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 Ounces Fermented Chinese Tofu
  • 1/4 Cup Cooked White Beans
  • 1/2 Ounce (About 1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoons) Chopped Scallions, White Parts Only
  • 2 Tablespoons Barley Miso Paste
  • 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/3 Cup Refined Coconut Oil, Melted
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Spirulina (Optional, for Color)

Instructions

  1. Before getting started, have a 1 1/2 - 2 cup glass, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic container at the ready. I like to use glass containers that come with lids, so they can function both as the mold for initial shaping and as a more long-term storage solution. Lightly grease and set aside.
  2. Very thoroughly drain the fermented tofu before tossing it into your blender or food processor along with the beans and scallions. Puree until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all of the ingredients. Add in the miso, both vinegars, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and onion powder next, blending to combine.
  3. With the motor running, slowly stream in the liquefied coconut oil, creating a creamy emulsion much like a salad dressing. Make sure the whole mixture is perfectly silken, without any remaining lumps, before proceeding.
  4. Remove about 2 tablespoons of the base and place it in a small bowl. Stir in the spirulina and briefly set aside. Pour the rest of the concoction into your prepared storage vessel, tapping it on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Add the blue-tinted portion in small spoonfuls, swirling it throughout with a thin spatula or knife.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or until fully solidified. The finished cheese will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 56Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
© Hannah Kaminsky
Cuisine: American / Category: Dips, Dressings, Sauces, Spreads, and Condiments
Yield: Makes 4 Servings

Classic Wedge Salad

Classic Wedge Salad

The ideal wedge salad s deceptively simple composition of crunchy lettuce, smoky bacon bits, and fresh cherry tomatoes is really just a vehicle for that deeply savory dressing. Go ahead and really slather it on thick; we all know you’re not eating a head of iceberg lettuce for any other reason.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

Blue Cheese Dressing:

  • 1/2 Small Shallot, Finely Minced
  • 2/3 Cup Vegan Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, Minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 Cup Crumbled Dairy-Free Blue Cheese (See Recipe Above)

Wedge Salad Fixings:

  • 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce
  • 4 Ounces Vegan Bacon
  • 2 Scallions, Thinly Sliced
  • 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved

Instructions

  1. Prepare the blue cheese dressing by simply combining the shallot,
    mayo, non-dairy milk, parsley, and vinegar in a medium bowl, stirring
    until smooth. Add the blue cheese chunks and mix in gently.
  2. Assembly is just as easy. Quarter and core the lettuce, placing one
    wedge on each plate. Drizzle liberally with the blue cheese dressing and
    top with meatless bacon bits, scallions, and cherry tomatoes. Serve
    right away.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

© Hannah Kaminsky
Cuisine: American / Category: Salads and Sides

 

 

 

16 thoughts on “Out of the Blue”

  1. Fascinating, Hannah. I think I’ll have to try this later in the summer when I’m a bit less busy. Hope all’s well with you on the very west coast. I did wave at you when I was in Pasadena/LA recently. :-)

    janet

  2. Oh I am so so pleased I hug into my reader for so long and came upon your scrumptious recipe and post Hannah.. Good thing I have had my evening meal, and Suppertime is past.. Or the cheese and biscuits would be out.. I am starring your page in my browser.. I need to look more closely at the recipe.. Salad days are here. xxx <3

    1. And I’m so pleased to hear from you! Your sweet comments always brighten my day, and this one is no different. <3

      1. The feelings are mutual dear Hannah.. And I love that our paths cross… We may only do so in fleeting moments.. But such moments are very precious.. And my day is always brightened by your own wonderful thoughts xx <3

  3. Oh mega wow!!! This looks fantastic…. I don’t know if I can find any fermented tofu…. will search hard to find it as I have really missed blue cheese. Bravo for you

    1. It’s definitely a less common ingredient in most general grocery stores, but worth seeking out! I hope you get a chance to try it. :)

  7. OMG where has this been all my life?! (Ok well like, my life for the last 2 years since I gave up dairy…but for real! I’m so excited about this!

    1. I hope it lives up to expectations. Please let me know what you think!

  9. My brother and sister in law are vegan – I need to make this for them! I love blue cheese so I’m sure I will love it too :)

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