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KETO LOW-CARB PARMESAN WHEEL (HEART HEALTHY)

KETO PARMESAN WHEEL

 

I love making this KetoParmesan Wheel.  While following a Keto Low-Carb lifestyle for a long time, I just found it so difficult to give up my cheese.  Especially Parmigiano -Reggiano!  It is pure umami at its finest and transforms any simple dish into one with tremendous depth and roundness of flavour.  Broccoli soup is but a liquefied vegetable. Add Parmigiano, and you’ve got a delicious soup with so much depth of flavour.

I finally found the courage to try my hand at making nut-based Parmesan.  I had no plans of giving up meat.  I just wanted to enjoy cheese without worrying about the amount of saturated fat I was eating.  I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it actually is to make this cashew cheese. Both myself and my husband were also surprised by how good this cheese tastes. 

WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF THE KETO PARMESAN WHEEL?

PALEO & WHOLE30 VEGAN PARMESAN WHEEL

PALEO & WHOLE30 VEGAN PARMESAN WHEEL FOR GRATING

This Keto Parmesan Wheel recipe calls for nutritional yeast.  Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast.  It is sold commercially as a food product in the form of yellow flakes, granules or powder.  You can buy nutritional yeast at health food stores and in bulk at the bulk stores. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, high-quality protein, and anti-oxidants.  It boosts energy and the immune system, and makes your skin, nails, and hair healthier. Studies suggest that nutritional yeast may help protect against oxidative damage, lower cholesterol.

WHICH CHEESE IS HEALTHIER — DAIRY PARMESAN OR KETO PARMESAN WHEEL?

If you are focused on moving into or maintaining a Ketogenic state, then this Keto Parmesan Wheel is not a good choice. But if you are following a Keto Low-Carb path — that is living a low-carb lifestyle in general and also taking other factors into consideration, such as your intake of saturated fat and/or sodium, then this vegan Parmesan may be your choice. First, it’s dairy free. Some of you may be following this lifestyle to reduce or eliminate inflammatory pain and dairy may be a culprit. If this is the case, then this vegan version is no doubt a more suitable choice.

The cheese is dairy free and lower in sodium and cholesterol. But this grate-able Parmesan is higher in fat (double). But keep in mind that this higher fat is also super healthy — monounsaturated fat from the cashews and coconut oil. Both fats are considered healthy fat. So from a health standpoint this nut-based Parmesan is high in healthy fat and low in sodium.

Remember, this is a cheese that you might use to season the top of your Bolognese sauce or to add as a topping on a casserole. So, these are points to consider.

HOW IS KETO PARMESAN WHEEL DIFFERENT FROM 3 MINUTE PARMESAN?

raw cashews for Keto Low-Carb Parmesan Wheel

The Keto Parmesan Wheel is made from raw cashews. The wheel is also wonderful to display on the table if you’re enjoying a meal that can be enhanced by extra Parma. It’s so easy to prepare, too. Also, a fabulous addition to a vegan cheese platter. This cheese, made from nuts, also offers more healthy fat.

WHAT IS THE TASTE PROFILE OF KETO PARMESAN WHEEL?

The predominant taste sensations of this Keto Parmesan Wheel is fattiness (from the cashews and coconut oil), saltiness (from the salt), umami (from the nutritional yeast).  It’s the nutritional yeast that gives vegan cheese its cheesy and depth of flavour character.

WHAT NON ALC WINE HARMONIZES WITH KETO PARMESAN WHEEL?

Wine for Keto Low-Carb Parmesan Wheel

With the three predominant taste sensations of this  Keto Parmesan Wheel are fattiness, saltiness, and umami, this cheese will complement both zesty white non alcoholic wines and medium to full-bodied reds.  The saltiness in the cheese nicely offsets the acidity in a non-alc white and the subtle tannin in a non-alc red.  The umami depth of flavour complements all wines!  For a white go with a creamy de-alcoholized Chardonnay..  For reds think de-alcoholized Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz.

Zero Alcohol Wine Tips: 

ALCOHOL AND KETOSIS:

To support your Keto diet or low-carb lifestyle, opt for quality, non-alcoholic wines that are low-carb and low in sugar. Additionally, alcohol does not align with a keto diet or low-carb lifestyle. Moreover, your liver processes alcohol before nutrients, pausing ketone creation and slowing the ketosis process. Furthermore, your body will metabolize alcohol as fuel before utilizing food, which can decelerate fat burning and may lead to the storage of carbs, fat, and protein as excess body fat. Moreover, alcohol consumption stimulates the appetite, potentially causing overeating.

ALCOHOL AND HEALTH:

Did you know that when you consume alcohol, your liver has to work extra hard to break it down? This can result in damage to your liver. Furthermore, it can elevate your risk of health issues such as inflammation and cancer, particularly with heavy consumption. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling dehydrated and disrupting your body’s normal functions.

NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE AND HEALTH BENEFITS:

Non-alcoholic wines with minimal carbs and sugar are advantageous for your health. They not only aid in weight management, blood sugar control, and hydration but also contain essential nutrients and antioxidants from grapes that can decrease your risk of health conditions like heart disease. Consequently, since they lack alcohol, they’re ideal for socializing without any adverse effects, promoting feelings of happiness and reduced stress.

WHAT OTHER KETO LOW-CARB HEALTHY HEART RECIPES CAN I ENJOY?

KETO LOW-CARB TOMATO-BASIL CHICKEN QUARTERS

KETO LOW-CARB TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN QUARTERS

Chicken Soup (Heart Healthy)

Tomato Basil Chicken Quarters

Marsala (Heart Healthy)

Salmon with Lemon, Honey, Thyme

Bacon-Covered Meatloaf (Heart Healthy)

HOW DO YOU MAKE KETO PARMESAN WHEEL?

Both 3 Minute Vegan Parmesan and Vegan Parmesan Wheel are highly flavorful cheeses. 3 minute Parmesan is ideal for incorporating into dishes and sprinkling on top. This cheese is made with raw almonds or almond flour. The Vegan Parmesan Wheel is made with raw cashews which offers a different and more pronounced nutty taste profile. This cheese offers the wonderful experience of grating the cheese at the table over pasta dishes, etc. It makes for a wonderful gift to bring to your guests’ house instead of flowers or a bottle of wine.

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS TO MAKING KETO PARMESAN WHEEL?

  • Use fresh raw cashews:  I buy my cashews at Bulk Barn.  This store sees a high turnover of ingredients.  So,  I know their raw cashews are fresh. Be sure to grind the cashews before adding the other ingredients. 
  • Grind the Nuts: You want to make sure that the nuts are ground to a fine dust.
  • Refined Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil because its tasteless.  Your nut-based Parmesan should taste like cheese, not like coconut.   
  • Nutritional Yeast: Add the nutritional yeast and salt to the ground nuts and mix together in the blender before melting the coconut oil. 
  • Agar Agar: Once the oil is melted with the agar-agar you want to work quickly and stir constantly.  The mixture firms up quickly. 
  • Container: You can use any kind of container for the cheese. I like the small, round cardboard boxes available at the dollar store.  They look like cheese boxes to me!  Line the box with plastic wrap.
  • Over Night: Leave the cheese in the refrigerator overnight to harden.

WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL YOU NEED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE?

  • Blender: For grinding the soaked cashews and blending the ingredients together.
  • Saute pan: For melting the coconut oil and agar.
  • Whisk: For stirring and whisking the agar into the coconut oil.
  • Mold: For shaping the cheese. This could be a cheese mold or any container suitable for shaping the cheese.
  • Plastic wrap: For wrapping the cheese after it has been molded.
  • Refrigerator: For chilling and setting the cheese.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Bowl: For soaking the cashews.

 

Make your mold.  This is a box from the Dollar Store with plastic wrap.

 

Soak raw cashews in water for 24 hours. Or soak raw cashews in boiling water for 4 hours.

 

Drain raw cashews before using.

 

In the food processor or blender on pulsating, grind the raw walnuts into a powder.  Add the nutritional yeast and salt and pulsate again, mixing together. Heat the coconut oil in a saute pan and melt the agar agar in the coconut oil, stirring constantly. Work quickly.  Add the coconut oil mixture to the blender and pulsate again, bringing the mixture together and creating a dough.

 

Transfer dough to your mold.

 

Press dough down into the mold and smooth surface.

 

Keto Low-Carb Parmesan Wheel

Wrap plastic wrap over the whole cheese.Press dough down into the mold and smooth surface.

 

Keto Low-Carb Parmesan Wheel

Refrigerate for 24 hours.  Remove mold and wrap in plastic wrap. Share with guests on a vegan cheese board.

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KETO PARMESAN WHEEL

KETO PARMESAN WHEEL


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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Keto Parmesan Wheel, its character pairing well with delicious non-alcoholic wine.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups raw cashews

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup refined coconut oil

2 tsp agar


Instructions

  • Soak raw cashews in water for 24 hours.  When ready to make cheese drain.  Set aside.  Make your mold.  Set aside.
  • Place cashews in a blender and pulsate, grinding them to a fine crumble.  Add nutritional yeast and salt and blend together in the mixer.  Set aside.
  • In a saute pan heat oil on low.  When melted add agar and whisk quickly and constantly until melted.  Transfer oil mixture to the blender.  Pulsate again mixing the oil with the nut mixture.  It will turn into a moist dough.
  • Transfer mixture to your mold and press firmly into shape.  Let sit for 24 hours in the refrigerator.  Remove mold and wrap cheese in plastic wrap. 

Notes

  • The nutritional value of this cheese is based on the keto version and is approximate.  The net carbs per serving (1 ounce) is 4 net carbs.
  • (Note: The nutritional information provided is a courtesy and is approximate only.  We cannot guarantee the nutritional accuracy of any recipe on this site.  We cannot know what brands you use or how accurately you follow the recipe or what you like to add creatively to the dish. Use the information as a general guideline only.) 
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Category: KETO LOW-CARB
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: DINNER

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 OUNCE
  • Calories: 131
  • Sugar: 0
  • Sodium: 59
  • Fat: 7
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 5
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 0

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