My Secret Weapon - Cashew Cream
People always ask me how I can get my soups to taste to rich and creamy. Well, Cashew Cream of course! It’s a versatile and creamy substitute that can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from soups and sauces to desserts.
Vegan cashew cream is a culinary chameleon, capable of transforming into a myriad of sauces, soups, and toppings with just a few adjustments to its basic recipe. This versatility not only showcases the adaptability of vegan ingredients but also opens up a world of flavor possibilities for those following a plant-based diet. From spicy buffalo sauce to a rich parmesan drizzle for pizzas, cashew cream can do it all. Let’s explore the various avatars of this vegan delight.
Buffalo Sauce Variation
Starting with a fiery twist, cashew cream can be turned into a vegan buffalo sauce that packs a punch. To create this, blend soaked cashews with a generous amount of hot sauce, a touch of apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. The result is a creamy, spicy sauce that’s perfect for tossing with baked cauliflower wings or drizzling over a vegan taco salad. The cashew cream balances the heat of the hot sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both spicy and soothing.
Creamy Vegan Soups
Cashew cream is a game-changer when it comes to vegan soups, adding depth and creaminess without the need for dairy. Whether it’s a velvety pumpkin soup or a hearty lentil stew, adding a dollop of cashew cream during the cooking process can significantly enhance the texture and flavor. For a more nuanced approach, you can blend part of the soup with cashew cream and then mix it back in, creating a beautifully integrated creaminess that elevates the entire dish. This technique works wonderfully with mushroom soups, where the earthiness of the mushrooms is complemented by the subtle nuttiness of the cashews.
Vegan Parmesan Sauce for Pizza
For those who crave the rich, umami-packed flavor of Parmesan on their pizza but adhere to a vegan diet, cashew cream can be transformed into a delectable parmesan sauce. By blending soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a bit of salt, you can create a creamy sauce that mimics the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. This sauce can be drizzled over homemade vegan pizzas before or after baking, adding a creamy texture and a cheesy flavor that makes each slice irresistibly delicious.
Creamy Pasta Sauces
Cashew cream serves as an excellent base for a variety of creamy pasta sauces. Whether you’re aiming for a vegan version of Alfredo sauce, a rich tomato basil cream sauce, or a savory mushroom sauce, cashew cream can be customized with different herbs, spices, and flavorings to suit the dish. For a vegan Alfredo, blend cashew cream with nutritional yeast, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice for tanginess. For a tomato basil cream sauce, mix the cashew cream with pureed tomatoes and fresh basil. The versatility of cashew cream allows for endless experimentation in pasta dishes.
Sweet Dessert Sauces
Not limited to savory applications, cashew cream can also be sweetened to create luscious dessert sauces. By adding maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blended cashews, you can create a sweet cream sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over vegan brownies, pancakes, or fruit salads. This sweet variation of cashew cream adds a luxurious, creamy element to desserts without overpowering the other flavors.
It's incredibly simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. Here's a basic recipe to get you started. But please remember the cardinal rule of Cashew Cream, you must have fun while you experiment!
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews
Water for soaking
½ to ¾ cup water for blending (adjust based on desired consistency)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a slightly tangy flavor)
1 clove garlic (optional, for savory dishes)
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Soak the Cashews:
Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or for best results, overnight. This process softens the cashews and makes them easier to blend into a smooth cream. If you're short on time, you can soak them in very hot water for 1 hour as a quicker alternative. If you have a Vitamix or other highspeed blender, you can totally get away with the quick method!
Drain and Rinse:
After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them under cold water. This step removes any phytic acid (which can inhibit mineral absorption) and improves the cream's flavor.
Blend:
Transfer the soaked cashews to a high-speed blender. Add ½ cup of fresh water (for a thicker cream) or up to ¾ cup for a thinner consistency. If you're using the cream for a savory dish, consider adding the optional garlic clove and lemon juice at this stage. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender, this could take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all cashews are fully blended. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the cashew cream and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or garlic to suit your preference.
Use or Store:
Your vegan cashew cream is now ready to use! It can be incorporated into various recipes, including pasta sauces, soups, dips, dressings, or even desserts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream may thicken when chilled, so simply stir in a bit of water if you need to thin it out before using.
Tips:
For Sweet Dishes: Skip the garlic and reduce the amount of lemon juice or omit it altogether. You can add a sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, and a dash of vanilla extract for flavor. Make it really thick and this goes GREAT on some Vegan Waffles!
For a Raw Version: Ensure all ingredients, including the lemon juice, are raw. Some strict raw diets might also require you to source specific types of salt or omit it.
Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor in savory dishes, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the blend.
This basic vegan cashew cream recipe can be easily customized to fit a wide range of dishes, making it a staple in plant-based cooking.
