Real Food Daily has become a beacon for those seeking flavorful and nutritious vegan cuisine, even capturing the attention of committed meat-eaters. This popular restaurant serves as a wellspring of inspiration for crafting delectable plant-based meals that appeal to everyone. For anyone aiming to incorporate more vegan dishes into their diet, or simply explore the vibrant world of plant-based gastronomy, Real Food Daily offers a compelling blueprint.
While Real Food Daily boasts two locations, with the original nestled in Santa Monica, it’s the West Hollywood branch that often takes the spotlight. Both locations share the same dedication to providing wholesome, plant-based meals, making it a go-to destination for health-conscious food lovers and those embracing a vegan lifestyle. To truly understand the breadth of their offerings, exploring their menu is highly recommended.
RFD Menu
Among the many tempting options at Real Food Daily, their Cashew Cheese Nachos stand out as a crowd-pleasing favorite. This dish perfectly exemplifies how vegan cuisine can be both indulgent and satisfying, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings, especially when catering to dairy-free diets. The magic lies in the cashew cheese, a surprisingly simple yet incredibly creamy and flavorful creation that rivals traditional dairy cheese in texture and taste.
Recreating Real Food Daily’s Cashew Cheese Nachos at Home
Real Food Daily’s rendition of nachos elevates this classic dish with layers of irresistible textures and flavors, all while staying true to their plant-based philosophy. The recipe, as shared and inspired by Real Food Daily, involves a clever technique for frying tortillas to achieve optimal crispiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canola oil
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into wedges
- Sea salt
- 1/3 cup melted Cashew Cheddar Cheese (recipe follows)
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/4 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 guacamole
- 2 Tbsp. tofu sour cream
- 1 green onion (white and green parts), thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Heat the canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry tortilla wedges in batches for about 2 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Arrange warm chips on a platter.
- Spoon warm cashew cheese over the chips, followed by black beans and pico de gallo.
- Top with guacamole and drizzle with tofu sour cream.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Crafting the Perfect Cashew Cheddar Cheese: A Vegan Game Changer
The heart of these nachos, and many other dishes at Real Food Daily, is their exceptional cashew cheddar cheese. This versatile cheese is perfect for melting, shredding, or slicing, proving that dairy-free alternatives can be just as satisfying and flavorful as their traditional counterparts.
Cashew Cheddar Cheese Recipe (Yields 4 cups):
- 1 1/4 cups raw cashews
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground white pepper
- 3 1/2 cups unsweetened soymilk
- 1 cup agar flakes (about 2 ounces by weight)
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup yellow miso
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Finely grind cashews in a food processor, being careful not to turn them into a paste.
- Add nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and white pepper; pulse to combine.
- In a saucepan, combine soymilk, agar flakes, and canola oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until agar is dissolved.
- With the food processor running, gradually pour the hot soymilk mixture into the cashew mixture. Blend for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Blend in miso and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
Cheese Consistency Options:
- Melted Cheese: Use immediately or reheat in a saucepan, adding soymilk for desired consistency.
- Grated/Sliced Cheese: Refrigerate for 4 hours until firm, then grate or slice.
- Jalapeno Cashew Cheddar Cheese: Stir 2 Tbsp minced jalapeno peppers into 2 cups of melted cheese for a spicy kick.
Beyond the Recipe: Supporting Real Food and Healthy Eating
Real Food Daily not only provides delicious plant-based meals but also aligns with broader movements advocating for healthier food systems. In that spirit, consider supporting initiatives like Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, which champions nutritious food in school dinners across America.
By exploring recipes inspired by places like Real Food Daily and supporting movements for better food access, you contribute to a world where delicious and healthy eating is accessible to everyone. Embrace the real food journey and discover the incredible possibilities of plant-based cuisine.
