Cashew Sauce!
Cheese with no cheese?! Doubt it.
The first time someone told me that nuts can be used as a cheese alternative, I thought, ‘you’re nuts.’ But it just goes to show, always have an open mind because turns out, it’s true.
Cashew sauce is now a staple in our house. It’s easy, delicious, and adaptable; three of my favorite things.
Nutritional yeast is fortified with B vitamins, including B12, which are so crucial to our health. B12 is mainly found in meat so it is often difficult for vegetarians and vegans to get adequate amounts of it. However, we do have a reserve of B12 stored in the body and it can take up to 5 years to feel the effects of a diet deficient in B12.
Cashews have been shown to have the potential to impact your health in the following ways:
– Reduce blood pressure
– Reduce cholesterol levels
– Protect against heart disease
– Improve eye health & decrease risk of cataracts
– Improve weight management
With less water, this recipe can be a chunky cheese, good for vegetarian lasagnas, and with more liquid it’s a nice creamy sauce for pouring over veggies, pasta, or rice.
My favorite use for this is in a rice bowl with beans, veggies, olives, and fresh herbs on top.
This recipe is tasty as is but you can also add fresh chilies for a spicy version, or swap out the nutritional yeast and salt for Brady’s popcorn blend from San Juan Island Sea Salt; have fun with it!!
Simple Cashew Sauce
This is a creamy nut-based sauce that is vegan-friendly and delish for all!
- 1 cup Cashews (soaked in 2 cups water)
- 1 clove Garlic, fresh (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Nutritional yeast
- 2 Tbsp White balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp Avocado oil
- 1-2 tsp Salt & pepper (to taste)
Soak the cashews in room temp water for 3 hours or hot water for 30 minutes.Soak the cashews in room temp water for 3 hours or hot water for 30 minutes.
Put all ingredients in blender or processor and blend until smooth, adding soaking water 1/4 cup at a time until you reach desired consistency.Put all ingredients in blender or processor and blend until smooth, adding soaking water 1/4 cup at a time until you reach desired consistency.
*Add fresh herbs and/or citrus to switch it up, like cilantro jalapeno lime, lemon curry, etc
