Description
A smooth and creamy cashew-based sauce that can be customized as sweet or savory, perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2–3/4 cup water (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, cilantro, etc.)
Instructions
- Add the cashews to a small pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes until softened.
- Drain and rinse the cashews.
- Add cashews to a blender with 1/2 cup water and salt.
- Blend until smooth, adding additional water (1/4 to 1/2 cup) to reach desired consistency.
- Add sweet or savory ingredients as desired (maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, or garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, pepper, herbs).
- Blend for about 1 minute until completely smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week before serving.
Notes
- Adjust water to control thickness—less for a dip, more for a drizzle.
- Use sweet ingredients for desserts or savory additions for sauces and dressings.
- A high-speed blender yields the smoothest texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Boil and Blend
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
