Vegan Recipe: Bold Cashew Cream Sauce

What’s one thing a vegan can’t live without? I’m pretty sure its a cashew cream sauce.

Seriously, this stuff is so yummy you’ll want to put it on everything.

I’ve drizzled it on pizza, tacos, veggie bowls – try it, you won’t regret it!

Bold Cashew Cream Sauce

MAKES ¾ CUP

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes

Ingredients

•  ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for at least 1 hour and drained, water reserved
• 5 to 6 tablespoons reserved soaking water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ½ teaspoon white soy miso (or chickpea miso)

Directions

Combine the cashews, ¼ cup of the reserved soaking water, the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and miso in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add up to 2 tablespoons more water for a thinner sauce. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The cheese will thicken when chilled, so you may need to add more water to thin it back out

Variations

•  Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried dill.
•  Pepperjack Cheese Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
•  Mixed Herb Cheese Sauce: Add 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs of your choice. I prefer ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried basil, but any blend will do.
•  Melty Cheese: For cheese that seems melty and browns when baked—for the main recipe or any of the variations—increase the water to ⅔ cup and add 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Transfer the cheese to a small pot and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s thickened but still drips slowly off a spoon. Pour it on top of whatever you’re baking and proceed with that recipe’s instructions.
•  Cheese Spread: Use only 3 tablespoons water, or use the regular amount and chill the cheese sauce for at least 24 hours. The sauce will thicken into a spread.

Enjoy!

<3 Team Vejii