Soaking Cashews: How Long For The Perfect Cheese Sauce

Soaking cashews is an essential step in making creamy dairy-free recipes. There are several ways to soak cashews, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The overnight method keeps the nuts raw, helping them retain more of their nutrients, but it requires forward planning. The hot water soak and boiling methods are faster but may not produce as even a result. Soaking cashews makes them easier to blend and creates a creamier texture, perfect for sauces and cheese.

Soaking cashews overnight

Firstly, get yourself a large bowl. The more cashews you need for your recipe, the larger the bowl should be. Then, place your cashews in the bowl and pour plenty of filtered water over them. The cashews will absorb some of the water as they soak, so it's better to add more water than you think you'll need. Aim for around 2-3 cups of water for every cup of cashews.

Once you've added the water, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to soak for 6-8 hours. You can leave them to soak overnight and they'll be ready in the morning. This method gives the most consistent results and it's the easiest option as you can just leave the cashews in the fridge and forget about them.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Firstly, don't soak the cashews for too long. If you leave them for over 16 hours, they may start to get slimy. If you're not going to use them within 12 hours, it's a good idea to rinse and refresh the water after 12 hours. If the cashews become gel-like and really slimy, it's best to throw them out.

Secondly, make sure you rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly with fresh tap water before using them. This will remove any slim that has formed during the soaking process.

Quick-soak methods: microwave, stovetop, and boiling

If you're in a hurry, there are several quick-soak methods you can use to prepare cashews for your cheese sauce. Here are the microwave, stovetop, and boiling methods outlined:

Microwave method:

Add your cashews to a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with water (about half an inch above the cashews). Microwave for 2 minutes, then let the cashews sit in the hot water for about 20 minutes. Drain and use as instructed by your recipe.

Stovetop method:

Add cashews to a pot and cover them with water (about half an inch above the cashews). Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from the heat and cover. Let the cashews soak for about 20 minutes. Drain and use as instructed.

Boiling method:

This is the quickest method. Add cashews to a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. You can add lemon juice at this point if you like—it may make the cashews softer and it's also said to aid digestion and provide more nutrients. Drain and rinse the cashews before processing them.

Tips:

• The cashews should be plump and soft all the way through. If the center is still crunchy, keep soaking.
• Raw unsalted cashews are best for most recipes as they produce the creamiest and smoothest texture when soaked.
• Soaking cashews can make them easier to digest and allow our bodies to absorb their nutrients more efficiently.

The benefits of soaking cashews

Soaking cashews has many benefits, especially if you plan on using them in your recipes. Here are some reasons why you should consider soaking cashews:

Soaking Makes Cashews Easier to Digest

Some people like to soak cashews in advance to make them more easily digestible. Soaking helps remove phytic acid, allowing our bodies to absorb more nutrients from the nuts.

Soaking Makes Cashews Creamier

One of the main things that happen when cashews soak is that they absorb water and soften. The softer the cashews, the smoother and creamier your recipe will turn out! Soaked cashews also swell in size because of water retention, so skipping this step may affect the outcome of your recipe. If you skip soaking, you will likely need to add more liquid to your recipe to compensate.

Soaking Helps Cashews Retain Nutrients

Soaking cashews overnight keeps your nuts raw, which helps them retain more of their nutrients. If you have extra time and are committed to a raw diet, then this method is for you!

Soaking is Perfect for a Raw Diet

If you are committed to a raw diet, then soaking cashews is a great option. Soaking cashews overnight helps them retain their raw state, which can be beneficial for those who want to get the most nutrients out of their food.

Soaking is Convenient for Planning Ahead

Soaking cashews overnight is a great option if you're planning ahead and know you'll need them for a recipe the next day. This way, you'll have the ingredients ready when it's time to cook, and you won't even have to wait for the water to boil!

How to use soaked cashews

Soaked cashews are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of vegan, dairy-free, and paleo dishes. Here are some tips on how to use soaked cashews to create delicious and creamy recipes:

Blending Soaked Cashews:

Start by draining and rinsing your soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender along with some fresh water and blend until smooth and creamy. This will create a cashew cream that can be used as a base for various recipes. You can also add flavourings such as nutritional yeast flakes to create a cheese sauce or a sweetener for desserts.

Vegan Cheese and Dips:

Soaked cashews are perfect for making vegan cheese and dips. For a simple vegan cheese, blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder. You can also add herbs and spices to taste. For dips, try blending soaked cashews with roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or French onion soup mix.

Dairy-Free Milk and Cream:

Soaked cashews can be blended with water to create a creamy, dairy-free milk. Simply blend one part soaked cashews with three parts water and strain through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. For a richer cream, use less water or add a thickening agent like tapioca starch.

Sauces and Dressings:

Cashew cream forms an excellent base for creamy sauces and dressings. Try adding different herbs, spices, and flavourings to create everything from a creamy alfredo sauce to a zesty salad dressing. You can also thin out the cashew cream with more water or lemon juice for a lighter consistency.

Soups and Stews:

Adding soaked cashews to soups and stews will give them a creamy texture and a boost of nutrition. Simply blend a portion of your soup or stew with some soaked cashews, then stir it back into the pot. You can also add whole soaked cashews to soups for a heartier texture.

Desserts:

Soaked cashews can be used to create delicious vegan desserts like cheesecakes, ice cream, and pudding. Blend them with sweetener, cocoa powder, or fruit purees for a creamy, dairy-free treat. Soaked cashews can also be used as a topping or mix-in for oatmeal or nice cream.

Remember, it's best to use soaked cashews soon after preparing them, as they can spoil if left too long. Always rinse and drain your cashews before use, and store any leftover cashew cream or milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

How to store soaked cashews

Soaked cashews are a versatile ingredient with a range of applications. They can be used to make cashew milk, blended into a paste and added to creamy soups, or used as a base for desserts such as vegan cheesecake, icing, and ice cream.

However, it is important to note that soaked cashews can spoil quickly. If you are not going to use them immediately, it is best to store them in the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week. Soaked cashews can also be frozen for up to three months and then thawed in the refrigerator overnight before use.

To store soaked cashews, follow these steps:

• Drain the cashews: After soaking, the first step is to drain the cashews thoroughly. Use a strainer or colander to remove the soaking water and then rinse the cashews with fresh, cold water. This step is important to prevent the cashews from becoming slimy or developing a bitter taste.
• Dry the cashews: After rinsing, allow the cashews to air dry for a few minutes. You can also gently pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the drained and dried cashews in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or sealed container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent any bacterial growth or spoilage.
• Refrigerate: Place the sealed container of cashews in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week.
• Use within a few days: Even when stored properly, soaked cashews have a relatively short shelf life. It is best to use them within a few days of soaking.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you don't think you'll use the soaked cashews within a week, you can freeze them. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen cashews to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to three months.
• Thaw frozen cashews: When you are ready to use the frozen cashews, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw them at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions