Are you tired of using the same old ingredients in your recipes? Do you want to spice up your cooking game with something unique and delicious? Look no further than cashews! These versatile nuts can add a rich and creamy texture to a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. In this post, we will be sharing nine amazing recipes that incorporate cashews in innovative ways. Get ready to impress your taste buds and wow your guests with these delicious and healthy recipes!
Recipe #1: Cashew Cream Sauce
This versatile sauce can be used as a dip, dressing, or topping for a variety of dishes. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make!
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Drain the soaked cashews and rinse well.
In a blender, combine the cashews, water, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe #2: Cashew Cheese
This vegan cheese is perfect for topping pizzas, crackers, or sandwiches. It’s also a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 clove garlic
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Drain the soaked cashews and rinse well.
In a food processor, combine the cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, sea salt, onion powder, and water.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe #3: Cashew Butter
This delicious and healthy spread can be used on toast, in smoothies, or as a dip for fruits and vegetables.
Ingredients:
2 cups raw cashews
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spread the cashews on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
Let the cashews cool for a few minutes, then transfer them to a food processor.
Add the coconut oil and sea salt, and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Recipe #4: Cashew Creamy Tomato Soup
This creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for a cold day or a cozy night in. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make!
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Drain the soaked cashews and rinse well.
In a blender, combine the cashews with 1 cup of water and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Using an immersion blender or transferring the mixture to a blender, blend the soup until smooth.
Add the cashew cream and stir until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe #5: Cashew Chocolate Truffles
These decadent truffles are made with just a few ingredients and are perfect for a special occasion or as a gift.
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup pitted dates
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup shredded coconut, for rolling
Instructions:
In a food processor, pulse the cashews until they are finely ground.
Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and blend until the mixture comes together into a dough.
Scoop the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Roll the balls in the shredded coconut to coat.
Place the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Recipe #6: Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
This Asian-inspired dish is packed with protein and vegetables and is a healthy and delicious meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup snow peas
1/2 cup roasted cashews
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large pan or wok, heat some oil over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and snow peas to the pan and stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for another minute.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
Add the roasted cashews to the pan and stir to combine.
Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Recipe #7: Cashew Curry Sauce
This spicy and flavorful sauce is perfect for pouring over roasted vegetables, tofu, or chicken.
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
1 can coconut milk
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Drain the soaked cashews and rinse well.
In a blender, combine the cashews with 1 cup of water and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and sauté for another minute.
Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
Add the can of coconut milk to the pot and stir until everything is well combined.
Add the cashew cream to the pot and stir until everything is well combined.
Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot over your favorite protein and vegetables.
Recipe #8: Cashew Granola
This crunchy and sweet granola is perfect for topping yogurt, smoothie bowls, or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats and raw cashews.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
Spread the granola mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is golden brown and crispy.
Let the granola cool completely, then stir in the raisins.
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Recipe #9: Cashew Ice Cream
This creamy and decadent ice cream is dairy-free and vegan, and is perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
1 can full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
Drain the soaked cashews and rinse well.
In a blender, combine the cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Serve and enjoy!
Cashews are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. These nine recipes showcase just a few of the many ways you can incorporate cashews into your cooking and baking. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a hearty meal, or a decadent dessert, there’s a cashew recipe for you. Experiment with these recipes and feel free to get creative with your own variations. With cashews as your secret ingredient, the possibilities are endless!
