Is Halloumi Vegan?
Halloumi is not vegetarian, but it can be made without animal products. Halloumi is a semi-soft cheese made from goat’s milk. It’s usually salty and has a strong taste.
The texture is similar to mozzarella. The cheese can be used in sandwiches and salads.
You can find Halloumi at most supermarkets or speciality stores.
Why is Halloumi not vegetarian?
Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard Cypriot cheese that has become very popular over the last decade.
It’s often described as having a similar texture to mozzarella. Halloumi cheese is usually eaten sliced or crumbled onto salads or vegetables.
Halloumi cheese was initially produced using sheep milk and salt. Today, however, it’s also made using cow milk and salt.
The difference between the two types of cheese is that the former contains no rennet (a natural enzyme) and thus does not require further processing before consumption.
“Halloumi cheese is vegan food,” some say. Is it? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Now let’s talk about halloumi cheese.
According to the manufacturer, the cheese is made from pasteurized cow milk. It doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives.
There is no evidence that the cheese is made using bovine rennet.
The manufacturer’s only ingredients are water, milk powder, salt, vegetable oil, and citric acid.
The manufacturer claims that the cheese is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, the fact remains that it contains whey protein. Whey is a byproduct of cheesemaking.
Whey is rich in lactoferrin, a compound that encourages the growth of friendly bacteria in our intestines. If you want to enjoy halloumi cheese without harming animals, then choose one labelled as free of animal products.
If you care about your health, do not consume dairy products. Dairy has been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, eczema, and more.
Is Halloumi considered dairy?
No. Halloumi is neither dairy nor meat.
However, it is still produced with the use of milk. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation because of its high-fat content.
In addition, there are many other reasons why Halloumi is not vegetarian. For example, the production process involves the use of animal rennet.
Another reason is that Halloumi is made from cow milk.
Is There a Vegan Halloumi?
Yes, there is a vegan halloumi cheese available. The company behind the product says:
“Veganhalloumi is 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, egg-free, GMO-free, refined sugar-free, MSG-free, nutritional yeast-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, corn-free, wheat-free, potato-free, rice-free, yeast-fungus-free, mould-free, pesticide-free, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, additive-free, chemical-free, mineral-rich, and cruelty-free.”
The company also offers various flavours, including original garlic, lemon juice, basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and tarragon.
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What is Vegan Halloumi made of?
Vegan Halloumi is made from a paste of water, vegetable oils, salt, and spices.
It is then pressed in a mould, which causes the cheese to take on the shape of the mould. The stuffed cheese is then salted and aged for up to 3 months before it is served.
How Do I Make Vegan Halloumi Cheese?
You can make vegan halloumi cheese yourself. All you need is an electric food processor. You can find instructions here.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight)
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Place soaked cashews into a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak cashews overnight.
- To make the cheese, simply follow these steps:
- Add 2 cups of water into the food processor bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add 4 teaspoons of kosher salt.
- Add one teaspoon of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Process the mixture until smooth.
- Pour the cheese into a container with a lid.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
- Let the cheese sit for three weeks.
- Remove the cheese from the container and cut it into cubes.
Serve the cheese chilled.
Store the remaining cheese in the refrigerator. Use within six months.
Enjoy!
Last words
Halloumi cheese is delicious when eaten plain, but it is even better when used to top pizzas, salads, pasta, and other dishes. It is best to buy organic halloumi cheese because it will taste fresher than its conventional counterparts.
