If you’re looking to add dairy-free creaminess to your cooking, cashews are a game-changer. When soaked and blended, this versatile ingredient transforms into a silky-smooth base that mimics everything from cheese sauce to sour cream. With a high-speed blender and with a touch of creativity, you can enjoy a rich, decadent flavor without dairy.
Here are three simple ways to incorporate creamy cashew goodness into your plant-based kitchen.
The All-Purpose Savory Sauce
Raw, unsalted cashews have a naturally neutral flavor, making them a perfect blank canvas for savory sauces. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, lemon juice for brightness, and minced garlic and onion powder for depth. The thickness of this sauce is entirely up to you.
“Basic Cashew Sauce Recipe”
- For a thick sauce (like nacho cheese), blend 1 cup of soaked cashews with ¾ cup of water.
- For a thinner sauce (like pasta sauce or dressing), use up to 1 ½ cups of water per cup of cashews.
How to use it:
- Drizzle over nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes
- Toss with warm, cooked pasta for a simple and creamy mac and cheese
- Use as a base for creamy enchiladas
The Tangy Sour Cream
You don’t need a dairy ingredient to enjoy a rich, tangy topping for your favorite dishes. Soaked cashews, blended with a little apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, help replicate the flavor and consistency of sour cream. The recipe will thicken as it chills, creating the perfect dollop for chili or tacos.
“Basic Cashew Sour Cream Recipe”
- Ingredients: 1 cup of soaked raw cashews, ½ cup of water, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar, and ½ tsp of sea salt.
- Directions: Soak raw cashews in cold water for 5-8 hours (or overnight). For a quicker method, boil water and add the cashews. Remove from heat and soak for 15-20 minutes. Then, combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until completely smooth.
How to use it:
- Swirl a spoonful into soups and chilis
- Dollop onto tacos, burritos, or enchiladas
- Mix in fresh herbs and a little garlic powder for a delicious ranch-style dip or salad dressing
The Luscious Dessert Cream
- Ingredients: 1 cup of raw, soaked cashews, ½ cup water or plant-based milk (like flax, oat, or soy milk), 2 tbsp maple syrup (or other sweetener), and 1 tsp vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla tastes great!)
- Directions: Blend all ingredients until velvety smooth.
How to use it:
- Top a bowl of berries or a fruit crumble
- Swirl into puddings or tarts for extra richness
- Spoon over pancakes or waffles
Final Thoughts
It takes just a handful of cashews and some basic plant-based pantry ingredients to easily elevate your vegan dishes to new levels of creamy! Whether you’re looking for a savory sauce, a tangy sour cream, or an amazing dessert topping, cashews offer a great way for creative, dairy-free cooking. So, embrace this wonder ingredient and let your imagination run wild!
Are there vegan foods or nutrients you’d like to know more about? We’d love to hear from you! Contact: plantbased@apnm.org. Don’t forget to visit APNM’s Plant-Based Recipes page and try out some of our amazing recipes!
