Cashew Cheese & Cream: The Perfect Plant-based Alternative
Cashew cheese and cashew cream are delicious, creamy, and incredibly versatile ingredients that can elevate your meals without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just seeking a healthier option, cashew cheese and cream are a must-try. Here’s everything you need to know about these fantastic alternatives and how to use them!
What Is Cashew Cheese and Cream?
Cashew cheese and cream are both made from soaked cashews that are blended into a smooth, creamy texture. The cashews provide a rich, nutty flavor, and the creamy consistency makes them an ideal replacement for traditional dairy products.
- Cashew Cheese: It is typically made by blending soaked cashews with a variety of flavorings like nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to mimic the tanginess and texture of cheese. It can be used as a spread, dip, or even melted over dishes.
- Cashew Cream: A bit simpler, cashew cream is made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth. It is used as a base for sauces, soups, or as a topping for desserts, adding richness and creaminess to any dish.
How to Make Cashew Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight)
- 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tanginess)
- 1 garlic clove (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1-2 tbsp water (or more, depending on desired consistency)
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Soak the Cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 4-6 hours or overnight to soften.
- Blend the Ingredients: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender along with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and paprika.
- Blend Until Smooth: Add a little water at a time to reach your desired consistency (you can keep it thick or make it spreadable). Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast to your liking.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the cashew cheese to a container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Enjoy it as a spread, dip, or topping!
How to Make Cashew Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight)
- ½ to 1 cup water (depending on desired creaminess)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy touch)
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
Steps:
- Soak the Cashews: Soak the cashews in water for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Blend the Cashews: Drain and rinse the cashews. Add them to a blender along with water, lemon juice, and salt.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes silky and smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the cream and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Use Immediately or Store: Use immediately in recipes or store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Creative Ways to Use Cashew Cheese and Cream
1. As a Cheese Substitute
Use cashew cheese as a spread on crackers, sandwiches, or wraps. It can also be melted over pizza, pasta, or baked dishes, offering a creamy, cheesy texture without any dairy.
2. In Sauces and Dips
Cashew cream is the perfect base for vegan Alfredo sauces, cheese dips, or gravy. Add herbs and spices to customize the flavor for savory dishes or use it as a base for vegan cheese sauces.
3. Topping for Soups and Stews
Drizzle cashew cream over tomato soup, vegetable soups, or spicy stews to add a smooth and velvety finish. It’s a great way to make any soup richer and more indulgent.
4. As a Dairy-Free Whipped Cream for Desserts
Whip up cashew cream with a little sweetener like maple syrup or vanilla extract to create a dairy-free whipped cream. Top it on vegan cakes, pies, or fruit salads for a light yet creamy finish.
5. In Smoothies and Shakes
Add cashew cream to smoothies or shakes for an added richness. You can use it as a base to make your drink creamy and smooth while keeping it plant-based.
6. In Vegan Tacos or Burritos
Cashew cheese works wonderfully in vegan tacos, burritos, or wraps as a sour cream substitute. Top your tacos with cashew cheese, salsa, guacamole, and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.
Why Choose Cashew Cheese and Cream?
- Dairy-Free and Vegan: Perfect for those avoiding animal products or suffering from lactose intolerance.
- Healthy Fats: Cashews are rich in heart-healthy fats, magnesium, and protein, making them a nutritious choice for your plant-based diet.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavor by adding herbs, spices, or even other nuts, tailoring it to your taste.
- Versatile: From savory dishes to sweet desserts, cashew cheese and cream can be used in a variety of recipes, making them a fantastic staple in a plant-based kitchen.
Tips for Making the Best Cashew Cheese and Cream
- Soaking Time: Always soak your cashews well for a smooth, creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes.
- Add Extra Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add garlic, smoked paprika, or herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the flavor of your cashew cheese.
- Adjust Consistency: You can make cashew cheese firmer for spreading or softer for dipping by adjusting the amount of water you add while blending.
Conclusion
Cashew cheese and cream are delicious, versatile, and incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re using it as a cheesy topping, a creamy base for soups, or as a dessert whip, these cashew-based alternatives will add richness to your dishes without the dairy. So why not give them a try and enjoy all the creamy goodness they offer?
What’s your favorite way to use cashew cheese and cream? Let me know in the comments! 😊