Creamy Cashew Spread
Elevate your snack game with this irresistibly smooth and flavorful Creamy Cashew Spread, a dairy-free delight perfect for vegans and anyone seeking healthier options. Made from soaked raw cashews, tangy lemon juice, savory nutritional yeast, and a hint of garlic, this homemade spread delivers a luscious, velvety texture that's perfect for slathering on sandwiches, dipping fresh veggies, or complementing crackers. With just 10 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, it’s a quick and easy recipe that combines plant-based ingredients for a nutrient-packed treat. The incorporation of olive oil adds richness, while a sprinkle of black pepper balances the flavors with a mild kick. Gluten-free, wholesome, and customizable, this cashew spread is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire—ideal for meal preps, social gatherings, and everyday snacking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Soaking softens the cashews, making them easier to blend and resulting in a creamier texture.
Once soaked, drain the cashews and rinse them under cold water.
In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, 1/2 cup of fresh water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper.
Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy. This may take about 1 to 2 minutes depending on your blender. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Check the consistency of the spread. If it's too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon of water at a time and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
Transfer the cashew spread to a bowl or an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The spread will thicken slightly as it chills.
Serve the cashew spread as a dip with fresh vegetables, spread on sandwiches, or use as a topping for crackers. Enjoy within 5 to 7 days, keeping it refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
932 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.3 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1208 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 27.2 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 57 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 998 mg | 21% | |
*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.
