How can I make a vegan gratin?

Panfusine added about 1 year ago

I'd try coconut milk (for a savory, oriental flavor).. or almond milk..

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Drop the milk, use vegetarian broth instead. You could also use a dash of white wine if you are so inclined.

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I would also try to sub vegetable broth for the dairy, maybe adding a touch of soy milk. But you must taste your soy milk first to ensure it is not sweetened at all--even some of the "original" flavors are sweetened. If you are using only broth and need to thicken the liquid a bit, make a slurry with a small amount of the broth and cornstarch.

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maryvelasquez added about 1 year ago

You can make a nice bechamel sauce with non-dairy butter and soy. Bread crumbs, tossed with olive oil and toasted, add texture.

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Slow Cooked Pittsburgh added about 1 year ago

There are a few vegan cheese substitutes that aren't too bad and could work for a gratin, Daiya makes a few varieties that work fairly well. You could also mix fine bread crumbs with nutritional yeast or make a sauce from soaked ground cashews (or other nuts) mixed with garlic and herbs, tossing this mix with a bit of crumb would help with the crisp texture.

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vvvanessa added about 1 year ago

One of the most delicious gratins I ever ate was dairy-free: layers of eggplant and zucchini with tomato sauce and herbs and crumbly breadcrumbs on top.

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Anita is a vegan pastry chef & founder of Electric Blue Baking Co. in Brooklyn.

added about 1 year ago

I second maryvelasquez on bechamel sauce. I make mine with olive oil, garlic, rice flour, vegetable broth and coconut milk...but you can vary the ingredients to your taste. A dash of nutritional yeast makes it extra cheesy.

You will even get some browning in the oven the way you do with cheese. vvvaness's suggestion of breadcrumbs would be a great way to finish it.

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ChefJune added about 1 year ago

Many gratins in France are made without cheese at all. So a vegan gratin becomes considerably easier to achieve if you don't worry about a sub for cheese. I agree that I'd probably go with a vegan broth sub for the dairy (mushroom is especially tasty).

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