DIY Homemade VEGAN (NO MEAT) “MEATBALL SUB” and VEGAN CHEESE- HAPPYDAYSNAX

Homemade Vegan Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1-2 hours or in cold water overnight

• 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

• 1/2 cup of water, plus more as needed for blending

Homemade Vegan Cheese Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.

2. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and paprika.

3. Start blending on low, gradually increasing the speed, and add 1/2 cup of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, you can add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast to suit your taste.

5. Once the cheese sauce is smooth and well-seasoned, it's ready to use.

VEGAN "MEATLESS MEATBALL SUB"

Ingredients:

For the "Meatballs":

• 1 can (15 oz) of lentils, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions

• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (any color)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooking oil for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Subs:

• Sub rolls or baguette slices

• Sliced mozzarella cheese (or your favorite vegan cheese for a vegan version)

• Sliced bell peppers and onions (for toppings)

• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

For the "Meatballs":

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

2. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the mixture until it becomes well combined and forms a sticky dough. You can also use a food processor for this step.

3. Roll the mixture into small meatball-sized balls and set them aside.

4. Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the lentil "meatballs" and cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For the Tomato Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat the sauce over low-medium heat until it's warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Assembly:

1. Slice the sub rolls or baguette slices in half lengthwise and toast them if desired.

2. Spoon some of the tomato sauce onto each roll.

3. Place the lentil "meatballs" on top of the sauce.

4. Add the homemade vegan cheese on top of the "meatballs."

5. Add sliced bell peppers and onions as desired for additional flavor and texture.

6. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

7. Serve your "No Meat" Meatball Subs hot and enjoy!

Now, you can use this homemade recipe (especially the vegan cheese) recipe as a go to for your daily meals 😇