1cup(135g) raw cashewssoaked in cool water overnight (or boil with water in a saucepan for 15 minutes)
½cup (120 mL)watersee the cashew : liquid ratios in the blog post; the cilantro has some water so I use a bit less than normal
2clovesgarlicroughly chopped
1/2teaspoonsea salt + more to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2tablespoonsnutritional yeast
3/4-1cup (9-12g)cilantro leaves
2-3tablespoonslime juice
1-2jalapeño peppers*, chopped
1/4teaspoonsmoked paprika
1/2teaspoonground cumin
Instructions
Drain the cashews and rinse with fresh water.
Add the cashews to a high-powered blender or food processor along the remaining ingredients. Start with 1 jalapeño pepper and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Blend on high speed until smooth, thick and creamy, scraping down the sides with a silicone spatula as you go. This will take about 2 minutes in a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, or about 4 minutes in a food processor.
Taste and adjust for seasonings, adding more chopped jalapeño for a spicier cashew cream, more salt for saltiness, more nutritional yeast for cheesy/umami flavors, or more lime juice for acidity.
Video
MY MEAL PREP SECRET WEAPON | vegan meal prep essentials (+ PDF guide)
Notes
*I use 2 jalapeños for a spicy version. Use 1 pepper and/or remove the membranes for a milder version.