Soaking Cashews: The Secret To Creamy Cashew Cheese Perfection

Cashews are a popular ingredient in vegan cooking, often used as a dairy substitute in recipes. Before they can be used, cashews usually need to be soaked to soften them and make them easier to blend. There are several methods for soaking cashews, including overnight, hot water, and boiling. The overnight method involves soaking the cashews in water for around 8 hours, while the hot water and boiling methods take less time, typically around 20 minutes to an hour. It's important not to soak cashews for too long, as this can lead to a bitter taste and unpleasant texture. Soaking cashews can also enhance their nutritional benefits by removing phytic acid, which inhibits nutrient absorption.

Soaking cashews overnight

To soak cashews overnight, add the cashews to a deep bowl or a lidded jar. Fill it with enough water to cover the nuts, then cover the bowl. Allow them to soak overnight at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you are planning ahead for dinner, the cashews can also be soaked during the day for at least 5-8 hours. If you're soaking the cashews for more than 12 hours, it's best to store them in the refrigerator.

A tip to avoid over-soaking the cashews is to change out the water every 6-8 hours and soak them for no longer than 24 hours. If the water becomes slimy or gel-like, it means the cashews have been soaking for too long and will have an unpleasant taste and texture. It is best to toss them out.

Quick-soak methods

There are a few quick-soak methods for preparing cashews for cashew cheese. The first involves placing the cashews in a bowl and covering them with hot water. The cashews should be left to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. If you have the time, leaving them for the full hour will make them softer, resulting in a smoother and creamier cheese.

The second quick-soak method involves adding cashews to a pot and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Pour cold water into the pot to cool it down, then drain and rinse the cashews.

The third method is to microwave the cashews. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with water. 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.

How to use soaked cashews

So, you've soaked your cashews and now you're ready to use them to create something delicious and nutritious!

Cashews are a great vegan and dairy-free staple and can be used in a variety of recipes. They are a fantastic source of copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, phosphorous, and zinc.

Homemade Vegan Cashew Cream

This is a versatile base for many other recipes and can be added to smoothies for extra nutrients and creaminess.

Condiments and Sauces

• Easy Green Onion Cashew Sauce
• Poppy Seed Dressing
• Creamy Vegan Pasta Sauce

Dips

• Vegan French Onion Dip
• Cinnamon Vanilla Fruit Dip
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Dip

Soups

• Speedy Creamy Broccoli Soup
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Carrot Ginger Soup
• Cream of Asparagus Soup

Entrees

• Creamy Mexican Casserole with Black Beans and Quinoa
• Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Black Lentils and Creamy Marinara
• Creamy Butternut Squash "Risotto"
• Easy Vegan Mozzarella Cheese (for pizza!)
• Creamy Vegan Garlic Mushroom Fettuccine
• Vegan No-Boil Pasta Bake
• The Best Vegan Mac N Cheese

Sides

• Cucumber Salad with Dill and Red Onion
• Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Vegan Picnic Pasta Salad

Desserts

• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Grain-Free Key Lime Pie Bars
• 5-Ingredient Vegan Peppermint Patties
• Berries and Cream Popsicles
• No-Churn Blender Vanilla Ice Cream
• Vegan and Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
• Easy Vanilla Blender Icing
• No-Churn Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pudding
• No-Cook Vegan Blackberry Vanilla Pudding
• No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Benefits of soaking cashews

Soaking cashews has many benefits, especially if you are using them to make creamy vegan dishes like cheese. Here are some reasons why you should soak cashews:

They Become Easier to Digest

Some people like to soak cashews in advance to make them more easily digestible. Soaking nuts of any kind helps remove phytic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body.

They Boost Nutrition

Soaking cashews can also make the nutrients in them more available to your body. Cashews are considered an excellent source of copper and a good source of magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, phosphorus, and zinc.

They Create a Creamy Texture

Soaking cashews helps them absorb water and soften, which makes your recipe smoother and creamier. Cashews are often used in vegan and dairy-free recipes as a dairy substitute, offering creaminess and viscosity without an overpowering flavor. Once soaked, they become easy to blend into a smooth sauce or "cheese".

They Swell in Size

Soaked cashews 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.

How to store soaked cashews

Soaked cashews can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is recommended to use them as soon as possible as they tend to get slimy. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

To freeze soaked cashews, drain them and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and use within three months for the best quality.

When you are ready to use the frozen cashews, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. You can also blend the soaked cashews into a paste before freezing. This paste can be added to creamy soups or used as a base for desserts such as vegan cheesecake, icing, and ice cream.

It is important to note that if soaked cashews are left in the same water for too long, they can go rancid, so it is best to soak only the amount you need for a recipe.

Frequently asked questions