Cashew Ricotta
Creamy, tangy, and entirely plant-based, this Cashew Ricotta is a game-changer for dairy-free cooking and vegan recipes! Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients like raw cashews, freshly squeezed lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and a touch of garlic, this versatile spread boasts a smooth and fluffy texture that's perfect for everything from layering in lasagna to dolloping on pizza or spreading on toast. With a prep time of just 15 minutes (plus a quick soak for the cashews), this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to try something new, Cashew Ricotta is a delicious, protein-packed alternative packed with zesty, cheesy flavor. Make ahead and store it in the fridge for easy meal prep all week long!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Raw cashews
- 0.5 cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 1 small Garlic clove
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Optional: Olive oil
Instructions
Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. If you're short on time, soak in hot water for 30 minutes, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.
After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
Add the soaked cashews to a high-speed blender or food processor along with water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic clove, and salt. If using, also add the olive oil for a slightly creamier texture.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor with a spatula. Add a tablespoon of water at a time if needed to reach your desired ricotta-like consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt, an extra splash of lemon juice for tanginess, or more nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Transfer the cashew ricotta to a bowl or airtight container. It’s ready to use immediately or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1119 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.4 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1213 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.4 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.4 g | ||
| Protein | 37.6 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1391 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
