I was a bit slow to use cashew cream. I've never been shy about using heavy cream but over the years, my diet has tended a bit more towards vegan. This cream is a really useful recipe whether you're trying to eat vegan or not. The cream sauce can be thick and used as a dip or spread, thinned slightly to be a sauce for pasta or enchiladas, or even a creamy vegan salad dressing.
There are numerous recipes out there for cashew cream that call for 2 parts cashews to 1 part water. I found that for most use cases, like pasta sauce, I want the cashew cream to have more sauce consistency which means a tad more liquid. I've also found, with the help from a high-speed blender, long soaking periods weren't necessary.
Savory: Add a teaspoon or two of miso or nutritional yeast in place of/with the salt for an extra layer of savoriness. You can also add a tablespoon or two of lemon or lime juice.
Sweet: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. I like using sweet cashew cream with breakfast porridges or even on top of waffles.
Herb: Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill when pureeing. You can also stir in homemade pestos.
Spices/Peppers: Add a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin to add a spice element. You can also add crushed chipotle pepper, harissa, or romesco sauce to the cashew cream.
Garlic: Add crushed garlic or roasted garlic to the cashew cream for an extra savory layer.
Sunflower Seeds: I like to make sunflower seeds in place of the cashews- the soaked seeds create a creamy base like the cashews.
Soups: Use the cashew cream in place of heavy cream to thicken cream soups.
Pasta Sauces: Use one of the variations like herbed cashew cream sauce or pesto cream sauce to toss with cooked pasta.
Enchiladas: Use a spiced version or the cilantro cream sauce to top enchiladas sauce for a creamy version.
Vegetables: Use a variation of of the cashew cream sauce to top roasted or grilled vegetables.
Dips: Make a thicker version of the cream and use for dips with chips or vegetables.
Dressings: Use a thinner cashew cream sauce tossed with lemon juice and herbs for an easy dressing.
I have needed a recipe / how to like this for a long time! Finally I know not only how to make, but also how to use cashew cream. thanks Ella!
I am once again, late to the party. I've been interested in making cashew cream for years now and have never ventured. Thanks for the inspiration!
Tried this with the sunflower seeds, a little olive oil and lemon juice. It is amazing! Thank you.