Sauces/Pestos, Dips & Sauces

Macadamia Cheese

Name: Macadamia Cheese
Prep time: 36 h 30 min
Total time: 36 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 2/3 cup coconut or olive oil; 1 lemon (juiced); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon salt; 14 oz / 400g macadamia nuts (soaked); 1/2 cup dried tomato (soaked in water or olive oil); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder (optional)

By Dada Shivananda

Macadamia cheese is a creamy, soft cheese that resembles dairy cream cheese in texture and uses. The beauty of making your own cheese is that you can add your favorite herbs, spices, vegetables, and even fruits to create your ideal flavor.

Macadamia nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helping to keep you fuller for longer while also providing thiamin, manganese, and copper. They offer health benefits such as supporting weight management and helping to lower bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

The potent tocotrienols in macadamia nuts—a type of Vitamin E—can boost brain function and help protect against neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

To prepare Macadamia cheese, begin by soaking the macadamia nuts in water for about 24 hours until they nearly double in size. Drain the water in a colander, reserving a portion for later use if desired. Then, blend the soft, soaked nuts in a high-powered blender until they form an extremely smooth paste, resembling the consistency of soft Philadelphia cheese.

Transfer the paste into a cheesecloth and twist the top to create a secure knot. Insert the handle of a thin wooden spoon into the knot, ensuring it hangs centered in a tall container so that the cheese bag does not touch the bottom, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Let the bag hang for 12 to 18 hours; the longer it hangs, the tangier the cheese will become. After this period, remove the bag, gently scrape the cheese into a bowl, and you have a raw base cheese. You may then marinate it with olive oil, thyme, salt, lemon juice, zest, or other spices and herbs to taste. Alternatively, roll the cheese in vegetable paper, refrigerate until firm, and slice it for serving as an entrée.

For storage, spread a thin layer of olive oil over the cheese in a container and refrigerate below 5–6°C for up to two weeks.

Nutritional Benefits: Macadamia nuts provide a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while also offering significant amounts of thiamin, manganese, and copper. They may assist with weight management and lowering bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Additionally, the tocotrienols in these nuts, a form of Vitamin E, support brain health and protect against neurodegenerative conditions.