Cilantro Cashew Crema
A delicious and creamy vegan sauce you are going to want to use on everything. Cashews have a subtle taste and naturally buttery texture which makes them amazing for adding creaminess to any dish without the use of dairy. They also have a lot of health benefits being high in protein, containing heart healthy vitamins and have even been shown to boost metabolism (when eaten in moderation of course) by helping your body expend more energy. Buttery texture and health benefits- why wouldn’t you want to add them to everything!
When using cashews for a sauce it’s a good idea to let them soak in water for at least an hour (or longer) before blending them to help obtain the creamiest texture. I am not very good at preparing ahead and am thankful I have a high powered blender that allows me to get the super creamy texture from cashews without a long soak. That being said, if you have the time let ‘em soak.
So, for this sauce, cashews are combined with fresh lime juice, cilantro, green chilis and garlic for a flavorful sauce perfect for topping tacos, spread on a sandwich or just dipping chips in.
Cilantro Cashew Crema
Ingredients:
- 1 - 4 oz can diced green chilis
- 1/2 cup cashews (soaked)
- 1 big handful cilantro
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon agave
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- COMBINE: Add garlic, lime juice and apple cider vinegar to a small bowl. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes (to help mellow the garlic bite).
- BLEND: Add all ingredients except the water to a blender and blend until velvety smooth. Slowly add water until you reach desired consistency.