Creamy Cashew Sauce: A Versatile Option to Accompany All Your Dishes

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The simplicity of cashews transformed into a creamy, versatile sauce that's perfect for adding a healthy, indulgent touch to any dish -- Marilyn

An inspiration born from simplicity

It all started when I was looking for a unique way to jazz up my spaghetti squash. With a big bag of plain cashews on hand, I had the idea to transform them into a creamy, simple, and healthy sauce. In a few easy steps, I discovered a versatile sauce that is perfect not only for spaghetti squash, but for a multitude of dishes. It’s a recipe that can be adapted to a variety of diets, offering a tasty and convenient alternative.

The benefits of cashew nuts

Cashews are rich in essential nutrients, such as magnesium, iron and unsaturated fats, which are excellent for cardiovascular health. They also contain protein and fiber, making them a great ingredient for those looking for a healthier option in their daily diet. By making cashews into a sauce, you benefit from their nutritional richness while adding a creamy texture to your dishes, without resorting to dairy products.

Soaking Cashews: Why is it Important?

Soaking cashews overnight, or at least for two hours, is a crucial step in achieving a perfectly smooth, creamy sauce. Soaking softens the nuts, making them easier to blend and resulting in a smoother, more even texture. If you're in a hurry, you can use warm water to reduce the soaking time to about 30 minutes, but soaking overnight is always best for optimal results.

A versatile and adaptable recipe

What makes this sauce particularly interesting is its versatility. You can use it as a base to accompany vegetables, pasta, or even as a spread. For those following a vegan diet, nutritional yeast adds a delicious cheesy touch without dairy. If you are not vegan, parmesan is a great alternative that will add a rich and salty flavor. Additionally, this recipe can be adapted with other types of nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts, depending on your preferences or what you have in the pantry.

A perfect balance between vegan and non-vegan

The vegan version of this sauce is just as delicious and creamy as the non-vegan version. Nutritional yeast is a perfect replacement for parmesan to give a subtle umami note, while maintaining a velvety consistency. Whether you are vegan or not, this sauce will satisfy all tastes and can be adjusted according to each person's needs. Plus, by adding herbs like herbes de Provence to garlic scapes, you can customize the flavors to suit different dishes.

Summary
🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	5 minutes
🍳 Cooking time	0 minutes (no cooking)
⏲️ Total time	5 minutes (+ 2 hours soaking)
🔧 Difficulty level	Very easy
🍽️ Portions	4 servings
🔥 Calories (approximate)	200 kcal per serving

Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for 2 hours or overnight) 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast or grated parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 cup water (adjust to desired consistency) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust depending on the herbs used) 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon of Provencal herbs with garlic flower (optional)

Instructions
Drain and rinse the cashews after soaking them. Place cashews, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, water, olive oil, salt and pepper in a blender. Blend for about 3-5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add herbes de Provence if desired. Warm slightly before serving, if desired.

Nutritional Information per Serving
Nutrient	Quantity
Calories	200 kcal
Proteins	5 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Sugars	2 g
Fibers	3 g
Lipids	18 g
Saturated fatty acids	3 g
Sodium	250 mg

With this recipe, you have a versatile base that can be adapted according to your desires, with or without animal products, and suitable for several dishes. This sauce will surely become a practical ally in your daily kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cashew Sauce

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days. If it thickens too much as it cools, simply add a little water or lemon juice before serving to restore a creamier consistency.

Is it possible to freeze this sauce?

Yes, creamy cashew sauce freezes very well. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To thaw, refrigerate for several hours, then blend again to restore its smooth texture.

What can I use instead of cashews?

If you don't have cashews on hand, you can substitute blanched almonds or macadamia nuts for a similar texture. However, these alternatives may alter the taste slightly.

Can I adjust the amount of water for a different texture?

Absolutely. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water added while blending. For a thinner texture, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Is this sauce suitable for children?

Yes, this sauce is sweet and creamy, and can easily be served with kids' dishes, like pasta or steamed vegetables. You can adjust the amount of salt and spices according to their tastes.

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