Vegan Caprese Tower Recipe
VEGAN MOZZARELLA, TOMATO, FRESH BASIL AND EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
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Ingredients
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Vegan Mozzarella
Tomato & Basil
Garnish & Assembly
Method
Vegan Mozzarella
- 1
Prepare tofu base
Drain the firm silken tofu well. Wrap in a clean towel and press gently for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Crumble tofu into a blender or food processor.
- 2
Blend ingredients
Add cashew butter, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, garlic powder, and olive oil to the blender with the tofu. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes, scraping down sides once. Taste and adjust seasoning (add a pinch more salt or 1/2 tsp lemon juice if needed).
- 3
Optional agar setting
If you want firm, sliceable mozzarella: in a small saucepan, whisk agar powder into 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until agar dissolves (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and quickly stir 2–3 tablespoons of the hot agar mixture into the blender while running on low, then pour the blended mixture into a small round mold (an 8–9 cm ring, ramekin, or small bowl). Smooth the top, cover, and refrigerate 1–2 hours until set. If you prefer a softer spreadable mozzarella, skip the agar and chill the blended mixture at least 30 minutes to firm slightly.
- 4
Chill and prepare for slicing
If set with agar: unmold the mozzarella and slice into 8–10 even rounds (about 1/4–1/2 inch thick). If not set: spoon into a shallow dish and chill, then portion into thicker spoonfuls to layer between tomato slices.
Tomato & Basil
- 5
Prepare tomatoes
Wash tomatoes and slice into 8–10 even rounds, roughly matching the diameter of your mozzarella slices or portions. Pat slices dry with paper towel to remove excess juice so the tower holds shape.
- 6
- 7
Select basil leaves
Choose the largest fresh basil leaves and remove stems. If leaves are very large, tear in half so they layer neatly between tomato and mozzarella slices.
Garnish & Assembly
- 8
Assemble the tower
On a serving plate, place one tomato slice as the base. Top with a slice or spoonful of prepared vegan mozzarella, then add one fresh basil leaf. Repeat to build a stack 3–4 layers high, finishing with a tomato slice on top. Make 4 individual towers (or adjust quantity to serve the number of portions).
- 9
- 10
Serve
Serve immediately at room temperature for best flavor and texture. If prepared ahead, keep chilled and bring to room temperature 15–20 minutes before serving.