Randy Chandler
Cashew cheese is a versatile, flavourful, and nutritious vegan cheese alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and other simple ingredients, and can be easily prepared at home. With a creamy texture and cheesy flavour, cashew cheese can be spread on crackers, used as a dip, or melted on pizzas, enchiladas, and pasta. Making cashew cheese involves soaking and blending cashews, and optionally, fermentation, to create a delicious and healthy plant-based cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Soaking time | 1-24 hours |
| Ingredients | Cashews, Nutritional yeast, Salt, Garlic powder, Lemon juice, Water |
| Add-ons | Smoked paprika, Granulated garlic, Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, etc.), Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary), Apple cider vinegar, Miso, Truffle oil, Sun-dried tomatoes |
| Uses | Spread on crackers, bread, bagels, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, nachos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, mac and cheese, broccoli cheddar soup, salad dressing, dips, etc. |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-6 days in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking the cashews
Step 1: Prepare the Cashews
Start by measuring out the desired amount of raw cashews. It is recommended to use raw, unroasted cashews for the best results, but roasted cashews can also be used if preferred or available. Whole or broken cashews can be used, and it is not necessary to use expensive whole nuts.
Step 2: Soaking Methods
There are two main methods for soaking cashews: the traditional soak and the quick soak. For the traditional soak, place the cashews in a bowl and add enough warm water to completely cover them. Let them soak at room temperature for 6-8 hours. If you prefer a quicker method, the quick soak only takes 15 minutes or you can bring water to a boil, add the cashews, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 30-45 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse
After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them with fresh water. This step ensures that any excess starch or bitterness is removed, resulting in a better flavour and texture.
Step 4: Soften the Cashews
The cashews should be soft after soaking. If they still feel a bit firm, you can soak them for a little longer, especially if you are aiming for a very creamy texture. The softened cashews are now ready to be blended with the other ingredients to make your cashew cheese!
Soaking cashews is a simple yet essential step in making cashew cheese. By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve the desired texture and consistency, ensuring your cashew cheese is creamy and delicious.
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Flavouring with nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is an essential ingredient in cashew cheese, giving it that distinctive cheesy, umami flavour. It is also a source of plant-based protein. It is readily available in most shops and health food stores. A pot goes a long way, so you won't need to buy it often.
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient for those following a vegan diet, or for those who want to reduce their dairy intake. It is a great way to mimic the cheesy flavour in plant-based diets. Nutritional yeast is also a key ingredient in giving cashew cheese its depth of flavour.
Some recipes suggest adding 2 teaspoons of nutritional yeast to your cashew cheese. However, some people have commented that this is too much, and that it can be overpowering. It is recommended to start with a small amount and add more to taste. One tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes was found to be a good amount by one reviewer.
Nutritional yeast is added to the cashew mixture after the cashews have been soaked and drained. It is then blended until smooth.
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Adding herbs and spices
Some popular herb and spice additions include:
- Smoked paprika for a smoky flavour
- Dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and dill
- Garlic powder or granules for a garlicky kick and depth of flavour
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Turmeric
When adding herbs and spices to your cashew cheese, it's important to start with a small amount and add more to taste. This way, you can ensure that the flavours are balanced and not overpowering.
In addition to herbs and spices, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your cashew cheese, such as nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt. These ingredients can be adjusted to your taste preferences as well.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create a unique and delicious cashew cheese that suits your palate.
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Fermenting the mixture
The next step is to include a bit of the "mother" bacteria from the vinegar to kickstart the fermentation process. This can be done by shaking the apple cider vinegar before pouring to ensure the bacteria is evenly distributed. Place the blended mixture in a warm area and let it ferment for a day or two. You will know it is ready when you see small air bubbles and taste a more developed flavour profile than regular cashew cheese.
After fermentation, shape the cheese into a log and store it in the fridge for a few hours to firm up. This fermented cashew cheese can then be sliced and spread onto bread, crackers, or used as a sandwich spread. It is a delicious and sliceable vegan cheese option that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
Additionally, the fermented cashew cheese can be customized with different herbs and spices. Some popular options include smoked paprika, dried herbs, onion powder, and truffle oil. These additions not only enhance the flavour but also provide a sophisticated twist to the cheese.
By following these steps and allowing adequate time for fermentation, you will be able to create a delicious and sliceable cashew cheese with a tangy and cheesy flavour.
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Storing and serving
Before serving, let your cashew cheese sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften, especially if it has been in the fridge for a while. This will make it much easier to spread. You can serve cashew cheese in a variety of ways. It is delicious spread on crackers, bread, bagels, or toast and can also be used as a dip for veggies or crackers. You can also use it as a sandwich spread, in place of mayonnaise or mustard. If you want to get creative, try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh or dried basil to evoke pizza flavors.
If you're feeling fancy, spread some on a pita round or flatbread, add your favorite toppings, and bake it in the oven for an easy homemade pizza. You can even use cashew cheese as a pasta sauce, salad dressing, or pizza topping. It also works well as a tasty gnocchi sauce. The options are endless!
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Frequently asked questions
Cashew cheese is a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in minutes. The most time-consuming part is soaking the cashews, which can be done overnight or for 1-4 hours. Once the cashews are soft, the rest of the process takes about 10 minutes.
Cashew cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-6 days. It can also be frozen and will last for several months.
The basic ingredients are cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder or fresh garlic. You can also add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavour, as well as herbs and spices such as paprika, dried basil, or onion powder.
Cashew cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be spread on crackers, bread, or bagels, used as a dip for vegetables, or added to sandwiches. It can also be used as a topping for pizza, pasta, enchiladas, tacos, quinoa, and more.
