Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Special equipment needed:
- High-speed blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. Add the cashews, nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and turmeric to a high-speed blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
5. Transfer the cheese spread to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of cheese spread.
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80
- Total fat: 6g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cashews can be substituted with blanched almonds or macadamia nuts.
- Nutritional yeast can be substituted with vegan parmesan cheese or vegan cheddar cheese powder.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Garlic powder and onion powder can be substituted with fresh minced garlic and onion.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill for a herb-infused cheese spread.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a savory twist.
- Add jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the cashews overnight to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use a high-speed blender or food processor for the best results.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- The cheese spread is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cheese spread in a small bowl with crackers or sliced vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped herbs, sliced olives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese spread is too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
- If the cheese spread is too thin, add more cashews or nutritional yeast to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Keep the cheese spread refrigerated at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Vegan cheese spread is a popular dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese spreads.
Flavor profiles:
- The cheese spread has a creamy and tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness and spice.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A