Lemon Pesto Vegan Grilled Cheese
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4 servings
 
Ingredients
  • Cheese:
  • 1 Cup Raw Cashews (Soaked Overnight or Boiled)
  • 7 Tbsp. Tapioca Starch
  • 4 Tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
  • 2 Cups Hot Water
  • ----------
  • Dill Pesto:
  • 1 Bunch Fresh Dill (stems Removed)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • 1 Tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Oil
  • ----------
  • Preserved Lemon:
  • ½ Lemon Sliced Thin
  • 2 T Sugar
  • Large Pinch of Salt
  • ----------
  • Additional Ingredients:
  • Arugula
  • 8 slices of Bread
  • Vegan Butter
Instructions
  1. Soak cashews overnight. If you do not have time to soak them, boil them for 15 minutes then drain. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl combine the lemon slices, sugar and salt and stir. Set aside for at least 10 minutes, stirring periodically.
  3. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients for the dill pesto excluding any oil. Blend on low speed while slowly drizzling oil into the mixture. Stop when desired consistency is reached. Approximately ¼ cup of oil. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  4. In a high powdered blender, combine all the ingredients for the cheese. Blend until very smooth. You do not want any visible particles (I usually blend for at least 2 minutes). When the mixture is blended thoroughly, transfer to a sauce pan. Heat over medium flame stirring constantly for 5-10 minutes. You are looking for the mixture to thicken up and for a texture resembling real melted cheese. Once desired consistency is reached, remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  6. On the non-buttered side of the bread spread the “cheese” mixture. Next add a layer of the pesto and then follow with a few slices of the preserved lemon on top of the “cheese”. Finally add a small handful of arugula and the other piece of bread, buttered side up.
  7. On a skillet over medium flame, cook each side of the sandwich until nicely toasted about 1-2 minutes per side.
  8. Serve immediately and ENJOY!
Recipe by Meatless Makeovers at https://www.meatlessmakeovers.com/lemon-pesto-vegan-grilled-cheese/