Vegan Vegetarian Pão de Queijo – Vegetable Cheese Bread Balls
Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a beloved traditional dish from Brazil that has been adapted to cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. This deliciously cheesy bread is made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique stretchy texture, and is flavoured with nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy taste. It is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish for various meals.
Recipe Details
| Course | Snack/Appetizer |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Brazilian |
| Servings | 14-16 rolls |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Calories | Approximately 101 per serving |
Ingredients
- 2 cups tapioca flour (250g)
- ¾ cup cooked and mashed russet potatoes (2-3 small potatoes, peeled and diced)
- ½ cup reserved potato boiling water
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant milk (e.g., oat milk)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup grated vegan hard cheese (artisan-style vegan cashew cheese)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- In a large bowl, combine the tapioca flour, mashed potatoes, reserved potato boiling water, plant milk, olive oil, salt, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. Mix well until the dough is cohesive but slightly crumbly.
- If using vegan cheese, grate it and add it to the dough, adjusting the amount of potato accordingly.
- Lightly dust a clean countertop with tapioca flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Form the dough into 1-2 inch small balls and place them onto an oiled parchment paper or baking sheet, leaving enough space for them to spread a bit.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
- Enjoy the rolls straight out of the oven or let them cool before serving.
Special Note
Pão de Queijo has a rich history in Brazil, where it is a staple at many gatherings and celebrations. The original recipe uses cheese, but this vegan version retains all the authentic flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. I particularly enjoyed this recipe during a family gathering, where it was a hit with both kids and adults alike. The combination of the crispy exterior and the chewy, cheesy interior is simply irresistible.
“`
Use Organic Ingredients and savour the true flavours of Indian Cuisine. Ingredients sourced from www.Praakritik.com Use referral code "AROMAS" to avail discounts

